FAA finally looks set to ease in-flight gadget rules

It’s been a long time coming, but the Federal Aviation Administration finally looks like it’s ready to let people use electronic devices during flight takeoffs and landings. Unnamed sources tell The Wall Street Journal that the FAA is about to propose new rules that will “likely mean an end to familiar admonitions to turn off and stow all electronic devices,” although travelers still won’t be able to make cell phone calls until their planes have landed. The Journal notes that the FAA’s hand has likely been forced because so many people are already ignoring the current set of rules. The agency also come under pressure from lawmakers and former Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski to give fliers more leeway for using their electronic devices during takeoffs and landings.