Westjet Allows the Usage of Electronic Devices In-Flight

WestJet has recently allowed the usage of electronic devices in flights. Now the passengers can take their mobile devices and other electronic devices in planes provided they keep their devices in air plane mode.

After a week from the change of rules by Transport Canada both Air Canada and WestJet are letting their passengers to take their gadgets in airplanes. WestJet Airlines said travelers are now allowed to operate their portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, and e-readers in-flight. The usage was allowed in all phases of flights including takeoff, in-flights, and landing. They made one condition to such usage that these devices must be set to flight mode or non-transmitting mode before boarding the plane.

Lisa Rait, Transport Minister, declared to relax the rules a little so as to provide travelers with more freedom while they are traveling. This relaxation will allow them to read, watch movies, or play video games using their portable devices while flying.

After this announcement, Air Canada reciprocated favorably by allowing the usage of e-devices in their planes. Craig Landry, Vice president of marketing Air Canada, said our customers have made request to us regarding the usage of PEDs in planes for work and entertainment.

WestJet said that they have performed a thorough testing in planes using portable devices in order to make certain that these devices do not interfere with planes communication or navigation system. Further testing is on process on WestJet Encore’s Bombardier Q400s.

Bob Cummings, executive vice president WestJet, said we are trying our utmost to take all steps to ensure the safe and smooth functioning of PEDs on Boeing 737 aircraft. He said passengers can take their portable e-devices to planes provide they are kept in airplane mode.

Smart phones or mobile phones if kept in airplane mode will not allow any phone calls to be received or sent. Nevertheless, other functions of the phone will work smoothly in airplane mode.

Canadian rules before the transport relaxation was little stricter. Passengers were only allowed to use their electronic gadgets during not so critical phase of air flight. These phases include cruising of flight, taxi-in, after landing, and towards airport gate.

The relaxation of the rule was already implemented in US and Europe one year before. This relaxation will just harmonize the existing rule.