Phones, laptops and other electronic devices now allowed during flights

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Previously travellers were supposed to wait until the aircraft reached the gate. But now, phones, laptops and other electronic devices can be used the moment the plane exits the runway.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) recently relaxed the rules which apply to all local carriers, including Singapore Airlines (SIA), Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia.

This followed a review, which considered requests from travellers for wider use of personal devices, the industry's best practices, regulations of other civil aviation authorities and feedback from local carriers, a CAAS spokesman told The Straits Times.

But the use of cellphones and laptops is still not allowed when the aircraft is taxiing for take-off, she said.

"This may result in interference to the aircraft systems at this critical stage of the flight," the spokesman said.

While electronic devices like laptops transmit signals that may affect a plane's crucial systems, advances in technology can curb this, said airline communication experts.

For example, the use of mobile phones, previously banned, is now allowed during flights for calls and text messages, provided the aircraft is fitted with the necessary technology to ensure that the cellphones do not interfere with navigation systems.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to ease the rules on the use of personal electronic devices during take-off and landing in the coming months.