On a flight, how do I know when I can turn on electronic items?

Question

I fly all the time. But I never know when take-off is officially over and I can get out electronic items. There is no announcement about it and please, please don't say "ask the flight attendant." I'm sure they have better things to do. Thank you!

Answer 1

They tell you.

You can anticipate the call at 10,000 feet, or about 5-10 minutes into the flight.

** Okay, then LISTEN better - it's usually blended with the "you may now walk about the cabin" message.

Answer 2

The captain will tell you over the loudspeaker. Usually it's about 20 minutes into the flight when they say it's OK for people to use electronic devices.

Answer 3

as a general guide, they try to restrict it to 20 minutes after take off and 20 minutes before landing.

But I think the 'rule' on that is once the seatbelt signs turn off (meaning the pilot has switched the plane to auto pilot 9 times out of 10), then it is fairly safe to turn on any gizmo's you have.

Answer 4

In Australia they announce that "The seat belt sign is now off.  You can move around the cabin and use electronic items", so I assume that it is generally OK to switch things on when the seat belt sign is off.

Answer 5

they should tell you to.  I think after 30 min it should be safe to use any electronics other than cell phones (although it has been shown that they don't really affect the planes navigation system at all)

Answer 6

I dont ever remember there being a sign saying when you can, but it think it should be fine after about 20 minutes!!

Answer 7

I find it strange that they dont announce it cuz on the flights that i have been on, they annouce it. They even do it on asia pacific flights.

You can probably start using most electronics (except cell phones..which must be off the entire flight) after the plane has started crusing and finished ascending.