Passengers will soon be able to use electronic devices throughout their entire flight on US airlines after aviation regulators there ended a long-standing ban.<br /><br /> It means that during take-off and landing, flyers will be free to keep smartphones, tablets and e-readers running in ‘airplane’ mode. Mobile phone calls will remain barred as they could interfere with flight equipment.<br /><br /> “The committee determined that most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference from portable electronic devices,” said US Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta.“It is safe to read downloaded materials like e-books and calendars and also to play games.”<br /><br /> He added, however: “I want to be clear that you still cannot talk on your phone during flight.”<br /><br /> The relaxed rules apply to US airlines on domestic and international routes. Delta Airlines look set to be the first to implement them.
