Jetstar to allow gate-to-gate iPads, Kindles, smartphones

Passengers on Jetstar flights can use portable gadgets such as their phones, tablets and eReaders from gate to gate from the first departures on Saturday August 30.

That includes domestic flights within both Australia and New Zealand, trans-Tasman services and also Jetstar’s international flights on JQ ‘metal’ – including from Melbourne to Bangkok and Perth to Singapore.

Simply put, you can keep gizmos such as your iPod, iPad or Kindle switched on and used from the moment you step onto your flight through to when it's time to leave the plane.

Excluded from the new gadget policy are flights on Jetstar’s international brands such as Jetstar Asia (3K), even when booked as a ‘JQ’ codeshare.

Also, mobile phones and other devices with transmitting capability will need to remain in flight mode once the last aircraft door has been closed, and laptops will still need to be stowed away for take-off and landing.

And of course, you'll still have to pay attention during the safety briefing.

Jetstar’s exception from the CASA ruling on personal devices follows both Qantas and Virgin Australia, which have both been allowing gate-to-gate gadgets from Tuesday August 26.

QantasLink and Tigerair still require passengers to switch off their devices during take-off and landing, as these airlines remain in the final stages of preparing their submission to Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority for approval.

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.