WestJet has joined Air Canada in allowing passengers to play Candy Crush, read e-books or check their email at all times during a flight, the airline announced June 3.
The move follows a Transport Canada decision May 26 to allow travellers to access personal electronic devices, like smartphones and tablets, during taxi, take-off and landing. The devices must be in non-transmitting, “flight” mode, and passengers must check with the flight crew before using them, as some electronic devices can interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems, according to Transport Canada.
Before the rule change, passengers could not use their devices during take-off and landing. Airline passengers are allowed to use 3G and WiFi only during the taxi-in phase of the flight, but Transport Canada is allowing some flights to use WiFi service on a trial basis in Canadian airspace.
The change will allow Canadian airlines to stay competitive with other airlines who already allow passengers to use electronic devices during all parts of flights.
Air Canada has allowed passengers to use electronic devices during taxi, take-off and landing since May 28.
WestJet said it has done extensive testing to ensure passenger can use devices safely while on board its fleet of Boeing 737s, and is currently doing tests on its growing fleet of Boeing Q400s.
@jenstden
