Japan eases ban on electronic devices on flights

Tokyo: Japan on Monday relaxed a ban on the use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets on flights, following similar moves by the United States and the European Union. Passengers were allowed to use a wide range of mobile electronic devices if they were switched to “flight mode” during the take-off and landing of newer planes, the transport ministry said. Flight mode This disables cellular service, so passengers will still not be able to make calls or send texts. The changes came after similar decisions by the US and European Union last year, and after Australia last week relaxed similar rules for passengers on Qantas and Virgin Australia.