Ryanair passengers can from today use personal electronic devices for the entire duration of their flight.
The Irish carrier now permits the use of handheld devices during taxiing, take-off and landing, as long as 'flight mode' is switched on.
The move comes two months after guidance issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, ereaders and MP3 music players can be switched on at all times as long as "transmitting capabilities" have been disabled.
EASA's change in policy only applies to smaller devices – "bulky" items such as laptop computers will still need to be stowed during taxiing, take-off and landing.
Ryanair spokesman Robin Kiely said: "Ryanair customers can now use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight.
"The Irish Aviation Authority is one of the first regulatory authorities in the world to approve this measure and we wish to commend them for their initiative.
"We are working hard to improve our service to all customers and today's PED approval is the latest in a series of changes which we know our customers will love."
British Airways permitted the use of personal electronic devices during all phases of flight in December (see news, December 18).
Graham Smith