V-Flyer

I just heard on the Radio that BA are to allow the use Tablets and Mobile Phones throughout the flight including Taxi Takeoff and Landing as long as Flight Safe mode is enabled.

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/1 ... e-use-from

Unfortunately we need a "twat safe" mode judging by experiences sitting next to people that use them !

on my recent flight VS were already doing this :-D but I think it's another instance of BA trying to catch up with the others

All UK airlines are likely to be offering this, I haven't heard VS announce it yet though?

The EU law recently changed to allow for this.

Hi Hamster, VS allowed this on the VS43 LGW to LAS on 04/12/13 and on the return VS44 LAS to LGW on 09/12/13. The cabin crew even give advice on data roaming options on your phone to be turned off. The only issue that arose was that during US airspace it would not work. This was not only the Aeromobile option it was the same with the normal mobile networks.

I must say it works very well.

I think you are talking about WiFi or aeromobile on VS?

BA now allow you to have your phone/tablet/e-reader/camera/mp3 player on all the time. During taxi take off and landing.

Nope no Wifi on Gatwick 747 aircraft and nope was not aeromobile network was normal device use.

Yup same with VS only that Wifi has to be turned off

VS emphatically did not permit this on the VS3 or the VS46 when I was flying on them last week. Perhaps it will take time to filter through the various routes.. crew might have to be briefed on additional safety concerns etc..

joeyc that is possible the crew we had still enforced that those at exit rows / bulkhead seats still had to have items stowed for taxi take off and landing, all other passengers are free to use their devices as they wish.

also just had a random thought that Virgin are rolling out Wifi at Heathrow on their fleet so would make sense to roll out the use of devices at Gatwick first not to confuse CC or PAX alike.

At the moment you still aren't supposed to use any personal electrical equipment during take off and landing everything should be switched off. It's just the IFE that is on. Mobile phones can be used after take off on aircraft that have aero mobile and no it won't work in US airspace as the USA for ids any use of mobile phones in their airspace. I expect VS will follow BA in time though regarding the use of tablets etc throughout the flight.

There was a press release from EASA which confirms the use, dated 13/11 and another date 09/12.

Can confirm this was in operation on my flight with VS

benchsmith wrote:There was a press release from EASA which confirms the use, dated 13/11 and another date 09/12.

Can confirm this was in operation on my flight with VS

The EASA have merely permitted airlines to make the change if they wish. They have not mandated it.

benchsmith wrote:joeyc that is possible the crew we had still enforced that those at exit rows / bulkhead seats still had to have items stowed for taxi take off and landing, all other passengers are free to use their devices as they wish.

Was in UC and nope not confusing wifi and the aeromobile system to "No electronic devices may be used upon takeoff and landing"

Probs just going to roll out gradually across the routes.. will see on my flights in the next couple of months and report back.