Hawaiian Airlines will expand in-flight use of electronics

Hawaiian Airlines is joining other major U.S. carriers in allowing customers to use personal portable electronic devices on "airplane mode" during all phases of domestic flights, from takeoff through landing.

The move follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s policy change announced Oct. 31 in which it determined that airlines can safely expand passenger use of electronic devices during all phases of flight. The FAA based its decision on input from a group of experts that included representatives from the airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants and the mobile technology industry. The committee concluded that most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference signals from personal electronic devices.

"We applaud the FAA’s new policy and are excited to allow our customers to use their devices throughout their flight when they travel with us," Hawaiian President and CEO Mark Dunkerley said Thursday in a statement. "We’re committed to improving the travel experience for our customers."

The FAA still doesn’t permit the use of cellphones for voice communication during flight, but that may soon change. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said Thursday that rules against making cellphone calls during airline flights are "outdated" and that it’s time to change them.

Under previous FAA regulations regarding the use of portable electronic devices, travelers were required to turn off and stow all electronic devices during the flight when the aircraft was below 10,000 feet.

The new policy will allow customers of Hawaiian and other carriers that have opted for the change to use their personal small electronic devices — including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, music players and other items under 2 pounds — during all phases of the flight from gate to gate, with limited restrictions, unless otherwise instructed by the in-flight crew.

Some U.S. carriers have not yet adopted the new policy.

The FAA policy covers flights within U.S. airspace, but there are restrictions for flights that involve international destinations. On flights to foreign cities, personal electronic devices are not allowed when the plane is below 10,000 feet.

Other airlines that also have adopted the new policy include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, US Airways, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines.

——

The Associated Press contributed to this report.