United allowing passengers gate-to-gate use of electronics

Associated Press

Published Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013 | 4:36 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013 | 5:19 p.m.

CHICAGO — United Airlines is allowing passengers to use portable electronic devices throughout domestic flights.

The move by United, the world's biggest airline, matches new policies at Delta, JetBlue and American.

United Continental Holdings Inc. said Wednesday that it expects to expand the gate-to-gate use of electronics to passengers on United Express regional flights by the end of the year.

Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that it was relaxing rules that had required passengers to turn off devices while planes were below 10,000 feet. Voice calls from cellphones are still prohibited during flights including during taxiing, takeoffs and landings.

Chicago-based United said it will let passengers on its mainline planes use lightweight, handheld devices including tablets, e-readers and smartphones unless a crew member tells them otherwise, such as during low visibility. Laptops must still be securely stowed away during takeoff and landing, the airline said.