Mobile devices allowed on EU flights

European Union airlines may begin allowing the use of mobile phones during flights above 3,000 metres.

Siim Kallas, European commissioner for transport, confirmed today that European Union airlines may begin allowing the use of mobile phones during flights above 3,000 metres. Phone use would still be forbidden during takeoff and landing.

The announcement confirms the recommendation of the European Aviation Safety Authority (Easa) last month, which itself was a response to a similar ruling by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). The decision was made after concerns about mobile devices interfering with in-flight systems were proven to be unwarranted.

Announcing the change today, Kallas stressed that the decision does not mean passengers have an automatic right to use phones in flight. It is rather up to the airlines whether to allow phone use. Airlines may choose to install 3G or 4G connections on their aircraft. The use of ground-based wireless signals will still not be allowed because it could interfere with ground-based systems.

It is still unclear how passengers will be billed for using these plane-based wireless signals. Airlines have suggested passengers will be billed at international rates.