Canada allows airplane use of mobile devices during takeoff and landing

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      If putting away your smartphone for even a few moments is a hardship for you, breath a sigh of relief. On your next flight, you'll probably be able to use your precious phone from start to finish.

      Transport Canada announced today (May 26) that airplane passengers will soon be permitted to "use portable electronic devices such as cameras, electronic games, tablets and computers during all phases of flight". This includes "while an aircraft takes off, climbs, descends and lands, provided the device is in non-transmitting, or flight mode".

      Until now, passengers had to put down their smartphones and tablets during takeoff and landing, even if the devices were in airplane mode.

      The news release, which credits the "Harper government" in its headline, states: "The use of electronic devices on any flight will be at the discretion of the air operators, who must demonstrate that their aircraft are not affected by the use of the devices and that during critical phases of flight and during emergencies, all passengers are aware of and able to follow crew instructions."

      I don't know about you, but I like to take a break from playing Zombie Attack! Bridge Defense XL to look out the window during takeoff and landing. After all, those moments might be my last, so I might as well enjoy the view.

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