AMERICAN AIRLINES & JETBLUE OK'D FOR EXPANDED MOBILE-DEVICE USE

JetBlue Airways began offering its passengers the option of using Kindles, iPads and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) gate to gate on Friday afternoon. American Airlines announced that it, too, had received FAA approval to use PEDs gate to gate. In a press release it posted on its website, JetBlue said that it had received FAA approval of its plan allowing PED use below 10,000 feet, just one day after the FAA had announced the new policy. JetBlue said that it was first airline to offer use of PEDs under 10,000 feet to its passengers. JetBlue said its first approved flight was Flight 2032 from New York Kennedy to Buffalo. American said on that it had received FAA approval for allowing PED use under 10,000 feet on its entire mainline fleet as well as regional aircraft operated by American Eagle Airlines. Some American Eagle flights won't allow the expanded use of PEDs until later this year. Customers need to secure their handheld devices by holding them or placing them in a seatback pocket. Previously, these devices needed to be stowed under a seat or in an overhead bin during taxi, takeoff and landing. Larger items, such as laptops, still need to be stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing.