Last November, the European Aviation Safety Agency announced plans to permit the use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices in ‘Flight Mode’ during taxiing, take-off and landing as well as throughout commercial flights.
It’s now introduced new rules that allow these electronic devices - including tablets, smartphones, eBook readers and mp3 players - to be used in their regular ‘connected’ mode when on an aircraft. However, each airline is required to perform its own safety checks and set its own rules.
An airline needs to ensure its aircraft systems are not affected in any way by transmission signals from personal electronic devices (PEDs) before customers are allowed to use this type of equipment on board.As with current rules, airline crew can insist that devices are switched off and stowed.
[EASA guidance; EASA FAQ (pdf)]