CAAP now allows in-flight use of text and internet

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) recently announced that it is now allowing plane passengers to use their phones, tablets, and laptops inside the plane but with a few limitations.

According to the CAAP’s Memorandum Circular No. 52-13, it is now allowing “the use of transmitting portable electronic devices specifically laptops and cellular phone including MP3 and Global System for Mobile Communication On-Board Aircraft (GSMOBA), on a conditional basis, on all commercial aircraft operating within or en-route over the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Photo by Daniel Morial

Below are the conditions and limitations:

* When aircraft doors are still open, passengers are allowed to use laptops, cellular phones, internet, SMS, and voice calls unless the Pilot-In-Command and Senior Cabin Crew would specifically announce on the public address system (PAS) its prohibition. All electronic devices, however, must be turned off when the aircraft is re-fuelling.

* When aircraft doors are closed, electronic devices must be put on silent mode and may be used only for SMS or internet. Voice calls are not allowed except for the GSMOBA.

* MP3 players should always be used with earphones or headphones on. The use of speakers and amplifiers are not allowed.

Cebu Pacific and Tigerair Philippines were the first ones to express their compliance on the new policy.

The Memorandum Circular No. 52-13 shall take effect 15 days after compliance with the single publication in a newspaper of general circulation and a copy filed with the UP Law Center-Office of the Administrative Register (ONAR), UP Diliman.

{via: Rappler – 1, 2} {source}