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.”
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
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