easyJet customers stay switched on

PASSENGERS on easyJet flights can allowed use electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, e-readers and MP3 players at all times on their flights.

The budget airline has relaxed its rules on the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs), permitting their use even during takeoff and landing, as long as they are set to “flight mode” and all in-flight safety instructions are followed.

Prior to the announcement, passengers on easyJet flights were not allowed to use any electronic items during taxiing, takeoff or landing.

In “flight mode” devices cannot be used for text messages, phone calls or surfing the internet.

Peter Duffy, easyJet's group commercial director, customer, product and marketing said: “We know that portable devices are an important part of our customers’ journey with us, so we are pleased they can now use their electronic devices onboard in “flight mode” for the duration of their flight with us - we think this will be a popular change.”

easyJet submitted a detailed safety proposal to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which has been approved in line with all safety regulations, meaning that passengers will be able to continue watching films, reading e-books, working or drafting emails uninterrupted for longer.

The announcement brings easyJet into line with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidelines issued at the end of November 2013.

At the time, EASA’s said it was up to individual airlines whether they changed their rules.

British Airways said it was the first in Europe to relax its rules on PEDs when it announced it would adopt the guidelines in December, after clearance from Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority. Ryanair followed suit in February this year.

America’s Federal Aviation Administration said in October that it was relaxing its rules on the use of PEDs on flights.