From July 1, British Airways is set to change its electronic devices policy after landing, allowing smartphones, tablets and other gadgets to be used immediately after the plane leaves the runway. Under BA’s existing rules, passengers must wait until the plane has stopped at the terminal building before powering up their devices.

British Airways is set to be the first European airline to introduce these relaxed rules for electronic devices after landing, following confirmation from the British Civil Aviation Authority, that these rule changes will not present any health and safety risks.

“Customers will no longer have the frustration of having to wait until their plane has arrived at the terminal building before being able to use their mobile phones and other handheld electronic devices. Now they’ll have that extra time to phone ahead for that important business meeting, check their emails, or make sure someone is there to meet them at the airport. ” said Ian Pringle, BA flight training manager.

The new relaxed rule changes will not affect restrictions in place surrounding take-off, which still requires passengers to turn off all devices until they reach 10,000 feet.

However over in the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking to take things one step further and relax the blanket ban on some personal electronic devices below 10,000 feet. A formal decision from the FAA is expected this fall.

• SourceBBC News