PEDs okayed during takeoff, landing: Feds

The federal government has announced that passengers will soon be able to use portable electronic devices (PEDs) such as cameras, electronic games, tablets and computers during all phases of flight when travelling aboard Canadian airlines.

This includes while an aircraft takes off, climbs, descends and lands, provided the device is in non-transmitting, or flight mode, and that their airline has met certain safety conditions outlined by Transport Canada.

Previously, passengers could not use their devices at their leisure during take off and landing. This change, which is made possible through an exemption to the Canadian Aviation Regulations, means that passengers will soon be able to work or play whenever they please on flights in Canada.

“This is great news for air passengers, and an exciting day for the Canadian aviation industry,” said Transport Minister Lisa Raitt (pictured). “By collaborating with our aviation partners, we are able to offer airlines the tools they need to safely enable passengers to use portable electronic devices on airplanes, while still maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.”

WestJet applauded the move with Bob Cummings, executive vice-president, sales, marketing and guest experience, saying, “We welcome this decision and applaud Transport Canada for recognizing the prevalence of these devices and the desire of our guests to use them. The use of portable electronic devices is a key part of our inflight experience going forward, and this decision clears the way for the use of portable electronic devices while in non-transmitting or flight mode on a gate-to-gate basis while ensuring the safety of our guests.”