THE Civil Aviation Safety Authority has approved requests from Qantas and Virgin Australia to allow gate-to-gate use of smart phones and tablets.

Customers will be able to use their personal electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets and music players in flight mode, for the duration of each flight, providing uninterrupted access to work and entertainment.

Advice for customers:

• Devices can be used whether passengers are boarding via aerobridge or transiting across tarmac
• Once aircraft doors are closed for departure, devices will need to be in 'flight mode'
• Customers are required to secure handheld devices by holding them or placing them in a seat pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger items such as laptops will still need to be stowed
• Customers are still required to listen to all inflight safety briefings and comply with cabin crew instructions
• Mobile and smart phones will still not be able to be used to make calls or send texts from the air

The changes to CASA's ruling on personal electronic devices inflight follows an announcement by the United States' Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October last year that it would allow passengers to leave their electronic devices on through all phases of flight if individual airlines could prove that it did not interfere with the operation of the aircraft.

Experts from airlines, aircraft manufacturers, passenger groups, pilot associations, flight attendants, and mobile services have since been investigating the impact of personal electronic devices inflight.

Until recently, devices in Australia were required to remain off until the seatbelt sign turned off, meaning passengers were unable to use them while the aircraft was taxiing to the runway or through much of the climb or descent.


For more information contact us on 1300 764 906 by Email or complete an Enquiry Form


Updated 9/09/14.