Travel advice: the latest rules for in-flight electronics

We are all so addicted to our electronics these days we can hardly bear to be without them. However, on board an aircraft there are still rules about use, and they have changed a bit lately.

Most airlines have become more lenient about usage of personal electronic devices (PEDs) when flying. Once a tablet, telephone, gaming device or e-reader is set to flight/airplane mode you can use it throughout the flight. Any device that transmits a radio signal and does not have a flight safe mode must be turned off throughout the flight.

Laptops, ultrabooks, notebooks and Bluetooth accessories including keyboards can be used during a flight – in flight safe mode – but not during taxi, takeoff and landing. At those times they must be powered off and put away. Many aircraft now provide wifi on board, usually for a fee, and some – such as British Airways business class between London City and New York – are using OnAir satellite service. You can use your mobile phone on board for text, internet and email but not voice.

Items that seem to cause some trouble are e-cigarette/vaping devices. There have been reported cases of these devices catching fire. They must always be carried in hand luggage, but not buried in a bag. They must be protected from accidental activation and should not be charged on board an aircraft.

Another issue on board are chargers overheating. Always buy the correct charger for your phone and avoid cheap generic ones.

By far the biggest complaint from flight attendants is about people who put in headphones immediately after boarding and then do not hear the flight safety messages.

jscales@irishtimes.com