Airlines Given All-Clear For Mobile Phones

Airlines across Europe have been cleared to allow passengers' use of mobile phones and portable electronic devices (PEDs) throughout flights.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said there would be no restrictions in place from a safety perspective - a long-held reason for devices to be turned off or placed in "airplane mode".

EASA said mobiles, smartphones and PEDs could be used after airlines follow a safety assessment process.

PEDs include any kind of electronic device brought on board the aircraft by a passenger such as a tablet, laptop, smartphone, e-reader or MP3 player.

"As a result, passengers will be able to use their PEDs just like in any other mode of transport - throughout the trip," EASA said.

But travellers must still wait for airlines to decide their policy, as specialist communications packages must be installed to allow phone connections at cruising altitude.

"It is up to each airline to decide to allow the use of PEDs. In order to do this, the airline will have to go through an assessment process, ensuring aircraft systems are not affected in any way by the transmission signals from the PEDs," EASA said.

"For this reason, there may be differences among airlines whether and when PEDs can be used."

This is the latest regulatory step towards enabling the ability to offer so-called gate-to-gate telecommunication or wifi services for air travellers.

However, it remains unclear if all airlines will embrace the new freedom as they need to juggle business travellers' desire for non-stop communications or the existing blackout once aircraft are out of cell tower range.

Some airlines may even segregate seating similar to that in train carriages with 'quiet zones'.

The new freedom does not yet give travellers unfettered use of devices.

EASA said: "Passengers must at all times follow the airline crew instructions. Safety always comes first onboard of an aircraft."

A British Airways spokeswoman told Sky News: "We have led the way in the adoption of the use of personal electronic devices during flight. We have allowed their use on board, with certain restrictions since December last year.

"We will be reviewing our current policies in the light of this change in advice.

"We already allow the use of voice calls after landing. We have no plans to permit the use of mobile phones for voice calls on our flights as our feedback from customers has shown the majority of them find them an intrusion and disruptive."

She added that some services offered an internet connection during flights.

"Safety is always our top priority and our cabin crew will offer clear instructions to our customers regarding the use of personal electronic devices and mobile phones," she said.