The use of phones and tablets during the whole flight is allowed in the USA

Based on a Federal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decision, passengers on US airlines now may use their electronic devices, such as phones and tablets, in all phases of their flights.

US Airways and United are the latest to secure approval from the FAA.

As a result, the passengers will be able to use their devices in airplane mode during the whole time of the journey.

Following the decision, a public debate started about allowing on-board phone calls as well, however, these are not part of the competence of FAA and are believed to distrupt the communication channels of the airplanes.

A passenger survey shows that they are divided on the matter:  51% of the respondents are against allowing on-board phone calls allowed, while 47% are strongly supportive of the idea.

In the U.S. it is already allowed to talk on airplanes via wireless Internet services such as  Skype and Viber.