FAA warns passengers not to use Samsung's Galaxy Note7 in planes

Bad Burn: Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 is quickly getting noticed for all the wrong reasons. Owners of this device should return it or get a replacement from Samsung before more fires are reported.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is warning users of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones not to charge or even use them in-flight. This is an escalation from recent reports that Australian airlines have banned the device after a series of fires and explosion incidents related to the Galaxy Note 7's battery.

On Thursday, the FAA said in a memo that it "strongly advises" passengers not to turn on or charge their Note 7s on board an aircraft and not to stow the phones in checked baggage. 

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Airlines offer Wi-Fi during takeoff and landing

Photo by Kuster & Wildhaber Photography/Flickr Creative Commons

Since the FAA allowed gadget use during takeoff and landing, Wi-Fi on some airlines do not work below 10,000 feet. Those who are supplied by Gogo have antennas that are currently set up to send Wi-Fi to planes while in cruising altitude and not on the ground. The carriers include Air Canada, AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, US Airlines, and Virgin America.

Meanwhile, Allegiant and Southwest Airlines use Global Eagle Entertainment’s wireless internet system that works at all altitudes.

Source: Business Insider

FAA now allows certain electronics to be used during takeoff and landing

Good news for travelers! The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) just made it known that it will now allow some gadgets to be used during takeoff and landing. For as long as passengers aren't sending or transmitting data or voice signals and maintain their devices on Airplane Mode, they will be allowed to use them. This means smartphones, tablets, eReaders, handheld gaming devices and MP3 as well as CD  and DVD players can continue to enjoy their devices. The changes will take time and they are up to the discretion of individual airlines but this is definitely welcome news. 

Source: FAA