Plane Answers: Sunburns and inflight icing

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-05-2009 @ 12:49PM

Will said...

What's the deal with the rules against using portable electronic devices? I've heard that the ban on cell phones is from the fear that they could interfere with the plane's instruments; that is understandable. But what about other devices which are allowed to be used at any time except takeoff and landing? Why is that the only time they aren't allowed?

More specifically, are digital cameras allowed during takeoff and landing? There are tons of videos online from a passenger window during these times.

1-05-2009 @ 1:21PM

Kent Wien said...

I hear you, Will.

I wrote about this exact topic recently:

http://www.gadling.com/2008/07/18/plane-answers-a-rant-in-favor-of-cell-phones-on-airplanes/

Basically, if the airlines wanted to go through the process to allow specific devices, they would have to test them in each of their aircraft type with the FAA. It's an incredible hassle that's essentially prohibitive for the airlines.

Perhaps the FAA will relax the rules someday. Especially for cameras, I hope.

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