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.”

https://twitter.com/nickbilton/status/395920382890237952

https://twitter.com/nickbilton/status/395937020456878080

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

— Vivian Schiller (@vivian) October 31, 2013

https://twitter.com/hunterwalk/status/395931264173101056

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 (@schneider) October 31, 2013

https://twitter.com/TheRomit/status/395927941927800834

https://twitter.com/mathowie/status/395927209988206594

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

— Mark Hachman (@markhachman) October 31, 2013

https://twitter.com/ryan/status/395933377011777536

https://twitter.com/stevekovach/status/395915561944616961

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