Nov. 17--The FAA's new rule that allows expanded use of electronic devices on planes is trickier than it seems. Here is what you need to know before you board:
-- Each airline sets its own rules. Delta, American, Jet Blue and United have already implemented the change, but smaller carriers that operate regional flights for the big airlines have not. Listen for announcements on your particular flight.
-- The new rule means that passengers can use e-readers and tablets (like Kindles and iPads) and Bluetooth accessories (like a wireless keyboard), and play games and watch videos on tablets or mobile phones during the entire flight, including takeoffs and landings. You won't have to wait until the flight reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet.
-- You no longer have to turn off your phone entirely. Instead, you can use "airplane mode" to block calls and the Internet. (Go into settings and switch it on.)
The FAA changed the rule when a panel concluded that personal electronic devices pose no safety risk to aircraft systems.
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