Usage of Electronic Devices on El Al Flights

[Guy Berger]

I am flying on El Al to visit family in Israel in about 10 days and was wondering whether I could use my iPod during the duration of the flight. The flight attendants wouldn't let me use a discman last time (I've had the same problem with Alitalia) and I was wondering whether my new toy will run into the same stupid rules.

Guy

[Guest ariceffron]

I KNOW VISITING FAMILY IS IMPORTANT. BUT THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL YOU ARE FLYING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST, THE MOST VOLITILE WAR-ZONE ON THE PLANET. ARE GOING TO A REMOTE PART OR A CITY CENTER.

[rockefeller center]

I was wondering whether my new toy will run into the same stupid rules.

Not sure if it's stupid to prohibit usage of personal electronic equipment to prevent interference with equipment including communications, navigation and flight control systems.

[Dmitry]

I KNOW VISITING FAMILY IS IMPORTANT. BUT THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL YOU ARE FLYING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST, THE MOST VOLITILE WAR-ZONE ON THE PLANET. ARE GOING TO A REMOTE PART OR A CITY CENTER.

Andy Lives!

[7/4]

I KNOW VISITING FAMILY IS IMPORTANT.  BUT THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL YOU ARE FLYING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST, THE MOST VOLITILE WAR-ZONE ON THE PLANET.  ARE GOING TO A REMOTE PART OR A CITY CENTER.

Andy Lives!

[Rooster_Ties]

I KNOW VISITING FAMILY IS IMPORTANT.  BUT THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL YOU ARE FLYING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST, THE MOST VOLITILE WAR-ZONE ON THE PLANET.  ARE GOING TO A REMOTE PART OR A CITY CENTER.

Andy Lives!

[RDK]

I KNOW VISITING FAMILY IS IMPORTANT.  BUT THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL YOU ARE FLYING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST, THE MOST VOLITILE WAR-ZONE ON THE PLANET.  ARE GOING TO A REMOTE PART OR A CITY CENTER.

Andy Lives!

Oh sure, why not?

[RDK]

I KNOW VISITING FAMILY IS IMPORTANT.  BUT THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL YOU ARE FLYING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST, THE MOST VOLITILE WAR-ZONE ON THE PLANET.  ARE GOING TO A REMOTE PART OR A CITY CENTER.

Andy Lives!

Oh sure, why not?

Edited May 20, 2004 by RDK

[chris olivarez]

I'd check with El Al and if they say no well that's how it is. Rotsa Ruck.

[Guy Berger]

I was wondering whether my new toy will run into the same stupid rules.

Not sure if it's stupid to prohibit usage of personal electronic equipment to prevent interference with equipment including communications, navigation and flight control systems.

Well, US airlines allow it, as do other airlines which do the transatlantic route. Is there any good evidence that electronic devices like CD players or MP3 players or laptop computers interfere with flight?

Guy

[Claude]

In some companies they make a difference between electronic equipment with and without lasers (CD drives). It also depends on the type of airplane. You will need to contact El Al if you want to know for sure. I searched their website and there is no precise indication on that.

Some general information on interference:

Electromagnetic Interference with Aircraft Systems: why worry?

Interference from Electronic Devices

Boeing released an all-model service letter in 1993 to provide guidance to operators regarding the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) . The letter included the following statements:

- Use of intentional transmitters should be prohibited at all times.

- Use of non-intentional transmitters should be prohibited during takeoff and landing (critical stages of flight).

- Operation of non-intentional transmitters should be allowed for use during noncritical stages of flight unless the operator of the airplane has determined otherwise.

- Airline procedures should be established for PED termination if problems arise.

- Data should be recorded during a suspected PED-related event.

Edited May 20, 2004 by Claude

[rockefeller center]

Is there any good evidence that electronic devices like CD players or MP3 players or laptop computers interfere with flight?

I don't think so. Problem is that there is no evidence that personal electronic devices do not interfere either.

Thanks for those links, Claude.