Smartphone & Co. to be permitted from gate to gate: Use of electronic devices approved for more Lufthansa flights from 1 March

The number of routes on which Lufthansa passengers can use their smartphones, tablets, notebooks and other electronic devices uninterrupted for their entire time on board is set to increase significantly. From March onwards, Lufthansa will allow these devices to be used on all Airbus aircraft. The German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) has now approved this. Since January, passengers have already been able to use their electronic devices in flight mode on Boeing 747-8s from gate to gate. Prior to this, all devices had to be completely switched off during take-off and landing. With permission now granted for the Airbus fleet, usage will soon be possible on almost 250 Lufthansa aircraft. Lufthansa is also seeking LBA approval for other aircraft types as soon as possible.

“We are delighted that we have now been granted official approval for our guests to use their smartphones, tablets and computers uninterrupted on all Airbus aircraft, including our A380s,” says Jens Bischof, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Lufthansa German Airlines. “We know that many passengers would like to use their devices uninterrupted while on board. We will now be able to facilitate this on most of our flights.”

Out of consideration for other passengers, telephone calls will still not be allowed during the flight. Although mobile phones and mobile-enabled tablets may be left on with a deactivated mobile signal, they must be switched to flight mode so that their mobile signal is deactivated. On long-haul flights, Lufthansa offers a high-speed internet connection (FlyNet) as well as mobile access, allowing passengers to use text messaging and data services such as MMS and email.

For telephone calls, all long-haul aircraft provide satellite-linked phones. These can be used by all passengers during the flight at a charge.