Usually it’s not until the plane reaches 10,000 feet or more can passengers use their personal electronics under flight mode. But with the advancements in aviation and communication technology, countries such as America and Japan have starting allowing travelers to use 3C products to listen to music, watch videos, process words and so on throughout the entire trip.

After the Legislative Yuan passed the amendment of the Civil Aviation Act in June, China Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, EVA AIR and UNI AIR are allowing the use of personal electronics through the entire trip starting from September 1.

It is understood that as long as 3C products are switched to flight mode and Wifi is turned off, other functions aren’t restricted. Cameras, mobile phones, tablets and other smart products can be used throughout the flight; and with the consent of the captain, passengers can talk on cell phones. Laptops and other 3C products over one kilogram can only be used on international flights (when above 10,000 feet or more). Due to flight duration and other factors, domestic flights still don’t allow the use of large electronics.

Liberty Times reports that the Civil Aeronautics Administration has announced the loosening of regulations concerning flight passengers using 3C products. China Airlines says, flight CI7915 will be the very first international flight to implement the new regulation, but will still restrict the use of LINE, WeChat and other related Apps.

Apple Daily reports, officials from the administration point out that TransAsia Airways hasn’t proposed the loosening of procedures relating to the use of 3C products and might not be able to carry out the new measures. Aircrafts of Far Eastern Air Transport are older and haven’t passed interference verification, so the use of 3C products are still limited.

China Times reports, the administration points out violation of regulations regarding the use of 3C products can be sentenced up to five years of imprisonment or fined NT$ 150,000 (approximately US$ 5,000). Passengers have also taken pictures and reported such actions in the past. But with the advancement in aircraft manufacturing and reducing of power in 3C products, the United States and Europe has already extended regulations related to the use of personal electronics and Taiwan needs to keep up.

But Lin Chun-liang of the Civil Aeronautics Administration says each airline might have different regulations for the same aircraft models, and passengers need to be aware that violation of company provisions is the same as breaking the law.

ETtoday reports, as soon as the flight lands and the plane starts taxiing, passengers can turn on the communication function after the crew makes the announcement. But it is still up to the captain the make the final decision and passengers must cooperate.

Translated by Olivia Yang

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