CAA follows US lead on electronics in flight

UK airline passengers will soon be able to use their own electronic devices during all stages of flight, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed.

UK airlines will have to ask permission from the CAA so passengers can use mobiles, tablets, Mp3 players, e-readers and laptops during taxi, take-off and landing.

The announcement comes after the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) followed the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) lead in allowing passengers to use devices during all flight stages.

In the UK the expanded use will be subject to cabin crew approval on each individual flight, with phone calls, texts and WiFi still forbidden unless the aircraft has a controlling system.

Meanwhile in the US, flight attendants have vowed to fight a ruling that would allow passengers to make in-flight mobile phone calls.