Kindle and Airflight

Posted by: Dungassin on 26 August 2011

It's been suggested to me that some airlines won't let you use a Kindle during flights. It's of some concern to me as next weekend we are off to Malta for our annual trip to "visit the out-laws", as I call it. I checked online but its all very confusing as to who allows what and when. Last year Air Malta wouldn't let me use my iPhone (airplane mode) as an iPod at all during the flight (not logical, I know)

I looked at the Air Malta site to see if they had any help, and have emailed them, but, surprise surprise, technical questions such as this arn't really accomodated by their email form, so I have just sent it to one of the random "categories" and hope they pass it to the appropriate department.

Anyone here recently travelled on Air Malta with a Kindle and have any more recent information? Not looking forward to having to take a paperback with me for the flight "just in case".

Posted on: 27 August 2011 by winkyincanada

Originally Posted by Dungassin:

Not looking forward to having to take a paperback with me for the flight "just in case".

Yeah, terrible hardship, that.

Posted on: 27 August 2011 by Gale 401

Originally Posted by winkyincanada:

Originally Posted by Dungassin:

Not looking forward to having to take a paperback with me for the flight "just in case".

Yeah, terrible hardship, that.

It must be a right pain on such a long flight from the uk to Malta.

Posted on: 27 August 2011 by Lontano

I use my kindle all the time on planes. Just turn wireless off and as all the airlines say don't use electronic items on take off or landing.

Posted on: 27 August 2011 by Mike-B

I generally sleep, that seems to stop the need for reading.

But I have a +10hr to do next month, so maybe a read might be a good idea.

Seriously, its up to the airline & at the moment there is no fixed standard for electronic devices.

My info is that airlines do allow Kindle, but they need to be switched off as do all electronic devices during take off & landing.

All airlines have a more or less common policy in an attempt to make passengers aware of their environment and surroundings at take off & landing so they can respond accordingly should the need arise. This includes waking sleeping passengers, opening all window covers (to allow passengers to see the external situation) & stowing materials liable to fly around & distract.

AND disabling ALL electronic devices as using can distract all passengers in the vicinity.

I would take it & use it during the OK flight period.

I am sure a nice stewardess will tell you if its not OK

Posted on: 27 August 2011 by RaceTripper

I use my iPad on flights. You just have to turn it off during the designated take-off and landing periods where all electronic devices have to be off. For that I usually just buy a magazine in the airport before I embark.

Posted on: 27 August 2011 by EJS

Many companies disallow the use of smartphones during flight, even if switched to 'flight' mode - but I have never met one that didn't allow the use of computers, iPods etc.

Posted on: 28 August 2011 by MilesSmiles

I don't have a kindle but use my iPad on every flight, never even got questioned about it.

Posted on: 28 August 2011 by Derek Wright

Some US airlines are trying out the use of iPads to hold the reference data that the flight crew use during flight. If adopted this will save many trees and reduce the overall flown weight.

Do a Google on "iPads on Flight Deck"

Posted on: 28 August 2011 by Dungassin

Thanks for the replies. I got the Kindle mainly because SWMBO was nagging me about the dozen paperbacks I usually take with me (and read) during a 2 week holiday - mainly bothered about the weight, because it restricts the amount of clothes/shoes etc she can pack. Just a way of keeping her quiet (vain hope, I know ..)

As I said, websearch just managed to confuse me as to whether I would be allowed to use it during flight or not. American airlines (not relevant here) seem to be much more restrictive. I will do as suggested and switch off during takeoff/landing. I assume they actually mean OFF rather than in standby mode?

I suppose the airlines would say that they ban mobile phones even in airflight mode because there are so many morons out there who don't know how to disable the phone part.