News

BA relaxes IFE restrictions

27 Nov 2012 by BusinessTraveller

British Airways has obtained permission from the Civil Aviation Authority for its long-haul passengers to be allowed to watch their IFE screens “from the second they reach their seat to the moment they arrive at their destination”.

In line with other UK carriers, BA currently requires passengers to wait until after take-off and announcements have been carried out before the IFE system can be used, and turns off the system 15-20 minutes before landing.

But from December 1 the carrier will become the first UK airline to relax these restrictions on all long-haul flights, following nine months of negotiations with the CAA.

It’s worth noting though that certain restrictions will remain in place for Club World and First passengers, and those sitting in exit row and bulk head seats, as a spokesperson for BA confirms:

“Everyone can watch the IFE during the boarding process, but due to safety regulations, First and Club World customers will still have to stow their video screens (and iPads), from completion of the safety briefing until after take off and for approach and landing.

“However, they can listen to audio channels throughout their entire journey.

“The same applies for World Traveller and World Traveller Plus passengers sat in emergency exit and bulkhead rows.”

For more information visit ba.com.

Report by Mark Caswell

What do you think of BA’s decision to relax IFE restrictions on long-haul flights? Take part in the discussion here.

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