Canada relaxes rules on in-flight device use
Air travelers in Canada will soon be able to use portable electronic devices throughout an entire flight, bringing it in line with rules in the US and Europe.
Transport Minister Lisa Raitt will relax rules allowing flyers to use smartphones, e-readers, tablets and laptops even during take-off and landing as long as devices are programmed to ‘flight mode.’
Restrictions banning cellphone calls will remain in place.
"It’s good news for air passengers and it’s good news for the Canadian aviation industry," Raitt said.
"It’ll ensure that Canadian operators can remain globally competitive," she said.
US and the European Union aviation authorities announced similar plans last year.
Each airline must ensure gadgets are switched off during passenger safety briefings, and all devices must remain in flight mode throughout the flight.
Federal officials began working with airlines on the new rule two months ago and Air Canada said it is ready to operate flights under the relaxed regulations in a matter of days.
Westjet welcomed the announcement and plans to offer greater freedom for gadget users in-flight by summer.
Earlier this year, both Air Canada and WestJet announced they would be adding Wi-Fi access on planes.
Westjet hope to complete the installation by the end of 2014, followed by Air Canada in 2015.
WestJet spokesman Robert Palmer said the new rules on portable device use will not affect its Wi-Fi access roll-out.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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