AA Passengers Can Keep Their Handheld Electronics On

Fort Worth-based American Airlines on Monday afternoon joined the list of airlines allowing passengers to use certain electronic devices during takeoff and landing.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday eased previous restrictions on electronics, meaning customers don't have to turn off the devices. But they must remain on "airplane mode," which restricts the use of emails, texts and voice calls.

The change in rules is good news for Brooke Gunzelman, an American Airlines traveler at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Monday. Gunzelman likes to listen to music during flights to relax.

"It's nice when it's a rough takeoff and everything to have music as a distraction," she said.

Miriam Chapman said she can't wait to keep her e-reader on during the flight.

"That's why I have an e-reader -- so I can use it on my flights," she said.

An American Airlines spokesman said laptops still must remain off during takeoff and landing. Only devices that can fit in your hand can stay on during takeoff and landing.

A spokeswoman for Dallas-based Southwest Airlines told NBC 5 that it is in the process of filing paperwork with the FAA to get clearance for its customers to leave on its electronic devices.

So far, American, American Eagle, Delta and Jet Blue are the only airlines that have implemented the new rules allowing the use of electronics during takeoff and landing.

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