The regulator of American aviation officially gave its blessing to the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing. ”Passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.
This is big news for travelers who have long been frustrated with patronizing rule that had little scientific justification. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Just because you no longer have to wait until reaching 10,000 feet to open your laptop, doesn’t mean you’ll be able to connect to the internet throughout your flight.
As we’ve noted before, most in-flight Wi-Fi doesn’t work well below 10,000 feet. Gogo, the service used by 60% of wired airlines worldwide, doesn’t really kick in until airplanes reach cruising altitude. There is, however, an alternative. Satellite internet providers are equally capable above and below the 10,0000-foot mark.