Guilty of turning on your phone on the plane when you shouldn't? Don't be

Guilty of turning on your phone on the plane when you shouldn't? Don't be

If you are one of those airplane passengers who just wish the seatbelt sign would go off sooner so you can use your electronic device, well, there are many others like you.

According to a Skyscanner survey, 61 per cent of flyers want to use their mobile devices on the plane, while 71 per cent admit to turning their mobiles on before going through airport security.

Respondents to the Sept survey included 2000 adults in Singapore, UK, Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

The Skyscanner survey also found that a third of flyers will turn on their phones as soon as they touch down.

Think about it; the moment the plane lands on the runway, many mobile chimes and dings fill the cabin, while seatbelt buckles are unfastened.

Here is some good news for those itching to reach for their mobile devices during a flight: according to a report from an advisory panel set up by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US, restrictions on the use of mobile devices should be eased.

The scientific study found no reason why these portable electronic devices (PEDs) such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and e-readers, should be turned off at take-off and landing.

Aviation authorities in the US and UK are now reviewing the recommendations with a view to amending current regulations, said Skyscanner.

In fact, just last month, Singapore Airlines launched its first flight with inflight connectivity which allows passengers to use mobile devices for calls and text messages.

Ira Noviani of Skyscanner commented: "The findings of the FAA-commissioned study on the inflight restrictions of electronic devices on aircraft will be warmly received. However, I'm sure many flyers will be disappointed that the ban on using mobiles remains in place."

Based on the small number of survey respondents (6%) who resist the temptation to turn on their mobile phones until they get home, lifting of the PED ban on planes will most likely become a future trend.

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