Cathay Pacific, Dragonair to allow tablets, ebooks during take-off, landing
By David Flynn, September 2 2014
Cathay Pacific and its regional offshoot Dragonair have joined the growing list of airlines allowing passengers to use 'personal electronic devices' such as tablets, ebook readers and MP3 music players during the taxi, take-off and landing stages of a flight.
Beginning from 15 September 2014 – specifically with the 7.55am flight CX592 from Hong Kong to Osaka – passengers travelling on all Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights will no longer have to switch off selected portable electronic devices during certain stages of the flight.
This includes handheld games consoles, media players, cameras and camcorders.
Of course, smartphones and tablets will need to be in 'Flight Mode' with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth disabled throughout the flight.
In addition, plugging devices into the aircraft’s AC and USB power sockets won't be permitted during takeoff and landing.
"The new guidelines for extended usage refer to small electronic devices that are owned by the passengers and can be held in passengers’ hands or pockets," Cathay Pacific says.
Larger devices including laptops and notebooks will still have to be stowed away for takeoff and landing.
The relaxed rules follows a loosening of regulations by Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department, which were welcomed by Cathay Pacific General Manager of Product Toby Smith.
“At Cathay Pacific we are committed to improving our products and services to make flying a more pleasurable experience" Smith said. "We are sure our passengers will appreciate the opportunity to use their personal devices throughout the whole flight."
Last month saw Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar join the 'gate to gate gadget club', while Air New Zealand gave the flick to flicking the 'off'' switch in July.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Did you hear that?
It's the sound of the collective sigh of relief from Kindle and Apple at the success of their lobbying to prevent the annihilation of their business model...
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
10 mins with out access to their device is going to kill multi billion dollar companies?
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Consider human behaviour patterns particularly in an age of instant gratification.
04 Aug 2014
Total posts 35
I would appreciate alot for allowing me listen to my IPOD during takeoff and landing.
Espcially for those long haul flights which take like ages to load people, taxi to runway and queue for takeoff...it would be huge relief just allowing me listen to music...
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