Canada eases restrictions on mobile devices on planes

OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada, following the lead of the United States and the European Union, on Monday eased official restrictions on in-flight mobile device use while maintaining a ban on transmitting information.

Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said air passengers can now use smartphones, cameras, electronic games, tablets and computers throughout the flight. Under current Canadian regulations, all such devices must be turned off during takeoff and landing.

However, passengers will only be able to enjoy their new freedom if the airline they fly with updates its safety instructions and ensures that all passengers are able to follow the crew’s instructions during takeoff and landing.

“We would not have approved this if we were concerned that it would impact the safety of passengers or flight crews,” Raitt told a news conference.

She also added that the ban on sending and receiving emails and making phone calls on board aircraft will remain in force.

The US Federal Aviation Administration announced similar measures for users of personal electronic devices last October.

The European Union took similar steps in December.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren, editing by G. Crosse)