American Airlines announced it will relax the long-held rules regarding mobile phones on its aircraft, allowing passengers to use their wireless devices until the aircraft doors are shut and then again shortly after landing, as the aircraft is taxiing to the gate.
The new guidelines will be effective July 8.
American Airlines said it worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to test the new guidelines on fleet types operated by American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection carriers Chautauqua Airlines, Corporate Airlines and Trans States Airlines.
The changes to departing flights apply worldwide.
“We’re pleased to be the first airline to offer this relaxed cell-phone policy. We know how important it is for our customers to stay in touch with family, friends and business associates while traveling,” said Dan Garton, American’s executive vice president for marketing. “Sometimes, customers have last-minute information or other time-sensitive communications to share, and this extra phone time will be a real benefit to them.”
The FAA announced earlier this week that it is working on a study regarding the use of wireless devices on airlines. The administration will complete a short-term assessment of existing technologies this November and finish a longer-term review by October 2005.
