Airlines Prep Jets for Wider Use of Electronics

The Federal Aviation Administration's plan to lift some restrictions on electronics devices on airliners is setting up a race by carriers to demonstrate that such devices won't interfere with systems on their jets.

Airlines are now gathering data on their aircraft and considering new cabin procedures in preparation for the new guidelines, with the aim of being among the first US carriers to allow fliers to use their devices during all phases of flight. Cellular connections would remain banned during flight because of a previous decision by the Federal Communications Commission, committee members said. But a FAA advisory committee gave the safety regulatory agency recommendations this week on revised standards aimed at simplifying the process for carriers to demonstrate their aircraft are tolerant to any potential interference from passengers' devices.