Things to know about using electronic devices on aircraft

In some countries, you can use electronic devices during take-off and landing of aircraft. Do you have the most basic knowledge about using electronic devices when flying or not?

Currently, the regulations on the use of phones, tablets, laptops . on the plane have been much more relaxed than before. In some countries such as the US, Canada or in Europe, passengers can use mobile devices throughout the flight.

Each airline may have its own rules

Each airline is entitled to set its own rules on the use of electronic devices on flights . The United States Aviation Administration (FAA) and other national regulatory agencies do not set detailed rules that apply to all airlines. Instead, government agencies will allow airlines to decide whether to allow passengers to use electronic equipment.

Therefore, do not be surprised when each airline sets different rules about the use of electronic devices on aircraft. In countries where phones are allowed to fly, when flying on small airline aircraft, you may still not be allowed to use electronic equipment when landing and taking off.

In Vietnam, passengers must always turn off their phones and other devices when landing and taking off. Vietnamese airlines also clearly stipulate this. During flight, you are often allowed to use electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops), but the flight attendants may also remind you to turn off your devices to avoid affecting the device. contact of aircraft. When prompted, you will have to follow the attendant's request.

"Mobile" electronic devices and large devices

Regulatory agencies have separate regulations for "mobile electronic devices" and large electronic devices. "Mobile electronic devices" include smartphones, Kindle reading machines, handheld game consoles and even tablets the size of iPads. In general, all iPad-sized handsets are considered mobile electronic devices.

In the US and Europe, you can use mobile devices when you land and take off, as long as you hold them in your hands. If you don't have them in your hands, you can put them in the front seat compartment - in general, you don't have to put your mobile device in your pocket. However, you will have to make sure you are holding / holding your mobile device firmly, because (for example) when placing the tablet on a folding desk in front, your tablet may fall and bump into another person. .

Even in countries that allow mobile devices to be used during takeoff and landing, you are still not allowed to use laptops and other large-sized electronic devices (such as DVD players). mobile). This means that you have to store your laptop when the plane is about to take off or land. After being informed that the takeoff process has ended, you can remove the laptop from the compartment and use it during the main flight.

In Vietnam, you will not be able to use mobile devices with wireless signal transceivers on flights. Regardless of whether it is a mobile or large device, the use of all electronic devices is strictly prohibited when taking off and landing. However, in fact, the application is not too strict and in fact, many people still use mobile devices when the plane is moving, taking and landing even though there are reminders of flight attendants on the flight. . As mentioned above, the use of electronic devices that have turned on airplane mode in flight is subject to airline regulations and flight attendant instructions.

You have to bring electronics to airplane mode

You will have to put your electronic device in flight mode when flying. This means that you must turn off mobile signals on smartphones and tablets with 3G / 4G LTE mobile connectivity. Also, you must turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, except for your flight with Wi-Fi service and use on board. You can play games on smartphones when taking off / landing, but will not be allowed to make calls or send SMS.

The FCC (US) is currently considering allowing the use of high-altitude mobile connections over 10,000 feet, but has yet to make a decision to make any formal changes. The Philippines allows SMS customers in domestic flights, but it is still strictly forbidden to make voice calls over cellular waves.

Last year, Vinaphone opened an International Roaming service on the aircraft to allow customers to call / text on flights of affiliates such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Hongkong Airlines. Vietnamese airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air have not yet joined Vinaphone's service.

Different countries will have different rules

After the US FAA Aviation Authority removed regulations prohibiting the use of electronic equipment during takeoff / landing, more and more countries removed the regulation. Countries that allow the use of electronics when taking off and landing include the US, Canada, EU countries (including the UK), New Zealand and India. Australia will also relax regulations on the use of electronic devices throughout the flight in the coming weeks.

However, the rules for using electronic devices in flight depend not only on a country, even if it is the country you take off / land.

When you fly to a country that prohibits the use of electronic equipment when you land, you will be asked to turn off the electronic device before the aircraft starts landing . Even if you are flying in an airline that allows electronic devices in your home country (for example, flying on an American airline), you still have to follow the rules at National takeoff / landing aircraft (for example, in case you land in Vietnam).

If you fly on flights from firms from countries that prohibit the use of mobile devices when taking off / landing (eg flying on flights from Vietnamese firms like Vietnam Airlines), you can It is prohibited to use mobile devices during take-off / landing at any airport, regardless of the regulations of the country you're about to leave / leave.

In any case, when you are on a plane, you will be reminded specifically about the issue of using a mobile device.

In some special cases, you will also be asked to keep your mobile devices in flight. For example, if the plane is about to fly into a bumpy area, you will have to store your smartphone - the reason is because no one wants to be bumped into another person's iPhone.