EAGAN, Minn. (AP)-Northwest Airlines has loosened its rules on the use of cellular phones
aboard aircraft and in jetways.
Effective immediately, Northwest passengers may use their portable cell phones
aboard planes and in the jetways connecting planes and terminals whenever at least one of the aircraft doors is open.
Northwest’s new policy is similar to that of its alliance partner, Continental Airlines.
“For people on the go
these days, down time is lost time,” said Tim Griffin, Northwest executive vice president for marketing and
distribution.
A Northwest pilot in command also may allow the use of cell phones after the plane doors are closed
while the aircraft is on the ground and clear of all runways.
Passengers also may use at any time the in-flight phone
systems installed on most aircraft.
The change does not apply to laptop computers, portable audio players, electronic
games or other electronic devices, which may not be used while on the ground or during flight until permission is given
by cabin announcement.
