FAA Alters Electronic Use Rules

One annoying airline rule will soon be obsolete: “Please turn off all electronic devices.” The FAA is easing off its 50-year-old guidelines on the use of DVD players, e-readers, Game Boys, and Discmans (speaking of obsolete) during takeoff and landing. It turns out that most planes’ radio signals can withstand your device’s interference signals. Phone calls and texting will remain off limits, leaving flight attendants to worry about more confrontations with rule-breaking passengers. Some expressed concern about passengers “pretending to turn things off even when they’re not.” So behave—the stewardess is watching you.