The Internet Is Thanking Nick Bilton for the FAA’s New Rules

The New York Times’ technology writer Nick Bilton has been the pied piper of the Federal Aviation Administration relaxing rules on in-flight usage of electronic devices. Perturbed that he had to turn off his Kindle before he wanted to, Bilton went on a one-man crusade (albeit one with the backing on an institution like the New York Times) to prove that the rules were a throwback and a nuisance.

The FAA agreed, and earlier this year formed a committee to investigate relaxing the rules. Today it announced that gate-to-gate use of electronics would be allowed if the airlines met certain guidelines. Delta quickly announced it would allow their use starting tomorrow.

Twitter was happy. Below are just a fraction of the tweets that are flowing in congratulating the tech writer on what’s already been dubbed “Nick Bilton Day.”

It's a bird… It's a plane… Actually, it's people reading their Kindles and iPads during takeoff and landing on a plane!

— Nick Bilton (@nickbilton) October 31, 2013

When I was writing about gadgets on planes I once called the FAA & the person who answered the phone sighed & said, "Really, you again?" :-)

— Nick Bilton (@nickbilton) October 31, 2013

At long last, devices ok on planes. I credit @nickbilton for making this happen. http://t.co/0ARsT4csnP

— Vivian Schiller (@vivian) October 31, 2013

@ProfJeffJarvis will you support @nickbilton for Time person of the year due to his twitter coverage & taking on the FAA?

— Hunter Walk (@hunterwalk) October 31, 2013

Starting tomorrow you can use your iPad during all phases of flight on @Delta im sure all airlines very soon… Thank you @nickbilton !

— Michael Schneider (@msfd) October 31, 2013

Let’s all stand up and applaud @nickbilton today. #FAA

— Romit Mehta (@TheRomit) October 31, 2013

Happy @nickbilton Day! "FAA to allow most devices throughout flights" http://t.co/RqJAmuMIXn

— Matt Haughey ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ (@mathowie) October 31, 2013

Somewhere, Jeff Bezos and Nick Bilton raise a celebratory glass of ginger ale.

— Mark Hachmann (@markhachman) October 31, 2013

This week: FAA announces use of devices during takeoff/landing. Next week: the Twitter book lands. So @NickBilton is having an ok month.

— Ryan Block (@ryan) October 31, 2013

Thanks @nickbilton! RT @SAI: Airplane Passengers Can Now Use Electronic Devices During All Phases Of Flight http://t.co/6dGdXnvfy7

— Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) October 31, 2013

History of the FAA’s Proposed Changes

• Skift Asks: Do You Mind Being Asked to Turn off Your Electronics In-Flight?
• FAA Panel Ready To Recommend Easing Restrictions on Electronic Devices
• FAA Panel Backs Easing of Digital Devices on Planes
• The NYT’s Nick Bilton really, Really Wants to Use His iPad on a Plane
• U.S. Senator and Private Plane Aficionado McCaskill Wants FAA to Relax On-Board Electronics Use
• Will 2013 Be the Year the FAA Comes Clean on Portable Electronics?
• The 25 people that will decide if you can use your iPad during take off and landing
• FAA Draft Envisions Gate-to-Gate Use of Electronic Devices on Certain Aircraft
• An Explanation for Flyers’ Irrational Anger at the FAA Electronics Ban