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Photo via Alaska Air

Airline travelers may soon be able to send an email during takeoff or watch a video clip upon descent. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to relax its rules about using laptops, tablet computers and smartphones during takeoff and landing, though phone calls would still be prevented, according to a report today by The Wall Street Journal.

Citing industry officials and draft recommendations from an advisory panel, the Journal notes that the age-old rules are do for an upgrade, wiping out the ban on use of devices below 10,000 feet. According to the report, the FAA is unlikely to make a decision until the full report is provided in September.

The FAA provided this statement to the Journal:

“(The FAA) recognizes consumers are intensely interested in the use of personal electronics aboard aircraft, that is why we tasked a government-industry group to examine the safety issues and the feasibility of changing the current restrictions.”

Pilots have already started carrying iPads in order to replace bulky flight manuals.

So, what do you think? Worried about devices being used or is it time to  start playing Angry Birds as soon as the cabin doors close?

Previously on GeekWireThe Geek’s Guide to Air Travel

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