[Johns:] Turning off cell phones and other electronic gadgets during takeoff and landing is a major frustration for many airline passengers, but the FAA is reviewing its ban on in-flight electronics. And as CNN's Sandra Endo reports, things may change as international airlines take the lead in keeping passengers connected.
[Unidentified Male:] And now we'd like for you to pay attention to the following safety video.
[Sandra Endo, Cnn Correspondent:] The announcement air travelers know all too well.
[Unidentified Female:] Your mobile phones and other electronic devices should be turned off.
[Endo:] But in this age of gadgets, some airlines have found ways to keep passengers connected. [on camera]: This Emirates Airlines plane makes the 13-hour trip from Dubai to New York twice a day and passengers on board can stay connected on their cell phones almost the entire time. But when they get close to the U.S., these have to shut off. [voiceover]: The FCC has banned the use of in-flight phones since 1991 over concerns they'd interfere with mobile phone systems on the ground. The FAA has said it's concerned about electronic signals disrupting flight instruments. Twenty carriers worldwide do provide in-flight service with each plane equipped with its own mobile network. [on camera]: This Airbus A-380 has been specially retrofitted with this system where the cabin crew can monitor connectivity. You see the satellite connection, seat connection, seat display, connectivity network and wireless connection. Five green lights and then passengers are free to use their cell phones and other electronic devices. [voice-over]: And it's safe. According to what other countries that use it told the FAA in a recent study.
[Patrick Brannelly, Vice President, Emirates:] We would not jeopardize anything to do with safety and risk. If I look to the future 20, 30 years, for sure, you'll be able to use your phone on American aircraft over the United States. I don't think that's going nothing's going to stop that happening.
[Endo:] The U.S. government is not even considering allowing passengers to use cell phones on planes. But officials are looking into whether passengers can use devices like these to read or listen to music during takeoff and landing. [voice-over]: American Airlines pilots just started using iPads in the cockpit throughout the flight to access maps and other information. Flight attendants will also get tablets to use inside the cabin. And consumer advocates say allowing passengers to do the same during takeoff and landing would only be fair.
[Charles Leocha, Consumer Travel Alliance:] It kind of bothers consumers and passengers not so much the fact that they can't make cell phone calls, just the fact they can't use any electronic devices.
[Endo:] And he worries one day on domestic U.S. flights, dealing with a loud neighbor talking on a mobile phone may be the next in-flight inconvenience. Sandra Endo, CNN, Washington.
[Joe Johns, Cnn Anchor:] Polls show Mitt Romney's support is lagging in key states. We'll talk with Newt Gingrich about the reasons why and what the Romney campaign should do.