What portable electronic devices are allowed to be used on a flight and when?

• A. Only cellular devices are allowed at all times.
• B. Any device may be used as long as it doesn't cause interference, with exceptions (AM/FM transmitters/receivers, cellular devices, e-cigarettes, personal air purifiers, remote controlled toys, two-way radios).
• C. No portable devices are allowed during flight.
• D. Only devices approved by the flight crew are allowed, with no exceptions.

Answer: (B)

Portable electronic devices can be used in flight as long as they do not cause interference with the aircraft’s navigation or communications systems. The idea is that most devices are acceptable if they’re not emitting signals that could disrupt avionics, and if possible they should be used in airplane mode during all phases of flight.

The best answer reflects that approach and adds common-sense limits: you may use any device so long as it won’t interfere, but there are specific exceptions where certain devices are not allowed because of their potential to cause interference or safety concerns. Those exceptions include AM/FM transmitters and receivers, cellular devices, e-cigarettes, personal air purifiers, remote-controlled toys, and two-way radios. These are restricted because their operation can emit radio frequency energy on frequencies used by aviation systems or pose other safety risks, so they aren’t permitted even if the device otherwise seems harmless.

In contrast, options that say only cellular devices are allowed at all times, or that no portable devices are allowed, or that only devices approved by the flight crew may be used, don’t align with the practical rule that PEDs are generally allowed if they don’t interfere, with standard prohibitions on the listed exceptions.