Veronica Jones, 4th period: JetBlue, Delta moves quickly to allow extended use of electronic devices

If you've ever been on a plane before, you know the electronics policy: No electronics devices can be put in use until the plane reaches 10,000 feet. It's a pretty straightforward rule, and I have to admit that I've never had a problem with it. However, both JetBlue and Delta Airlines are moving towards allowing the use of approved  electronics gate to gate. The FAA has recently approved Jet Blue's plans and Delta confirms it has approve their as well. However, "The FAA refused to say which airlines had applied for permission and which were granted permission, saying the agency prefers that the airlines release that information." The original reasoning for the ban was stated to be because of radio signal messing with the plane, but that was recently debunked by the FAA last year when it stated that most modern commercial airplanes "can tolerate radio interference signals."

Personally, I feel this decision will prove to be a bit of mixed bag. On the one hand, it's nice to not be harassed by the PA system to 'Turn off all Electronic Devices until we reach a cruising level of 10,000 feet.', but on the other hand, is that really such a problem? Can we not put down our devices for 20 minutes and just find something else to do? Now, I know there's not much you can actually do on a plane, but you could bring a small book to read, strike up a conversation with you neighbor, take a nap, daydream, look out the window, doodle or maybe write something. There are so many things you can do to keep yourself entertained while your waiting to be able to get out you electronics that it's almost sad how attached people can be to them.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/02/travel/faa-portable-electronic-devices/index.html?hpt=us_c2