Topic: Electronic use on Airplanes

I've just been reading up on Electronic device use on airplanes recently because I'm heading over to the US on holiday soon and I'm was curious to know what the situation is on electronic device usage on planes in the US. I was reading this morning on Kotaku about the easing of restrictions of usage on flights throughout the states, what I want to know is, is if it's ok at the current time to use devices like 3DS', iPads, iPods and the like while on board and in flight.
I know it's fine to use those devices here in New Zealand, but I know that the US government has some sort of policy for electronic device usage on airplanes while in flight. I have a flight from LA to San Diego that's about an hour and a half, that's following a 19 hour flight from Auckland, NZ to LA, America (US), what I don't want to do is get stuck for an hour and a half bored out of my mind without something other than a book or an inflight movie, so can someone inform me on what the rules are?

I've never seen any electronic devices get confiscated on a plane, and I know I have always used my handheld Nintendo system (from GBC to 3DS) on plane rides before. So you should be fine. Maybe you should shut of the wireless, though, just in case.

This is one of those rules they have that nobody follows.

The flight attendants on U.S. flights will give you an "all clear" message approx. 5-10 mins into the flight, after which you can use electronics. They'll also inform you on when to turn them off before the flight commences. There's the concern that other devices wireless communications will interfere with sensitive flight equipment, causing a malfunction that leads to a crash, but most flights now have in-air Wi-Fi, so ... The restrictions are probably outdated (Good old 'Murica with outdated attitudes). There's no reason you shouldn't be able to use your electronics on your L.A.-San Diego flight, as I've been able to use my iPod and 3DS on a similar domestic American flight. I'd bring a book just in case.

On a side note, your Auckland-L.A. Flight is 19 hours? I had a Sydney-LA flight about a year ago, and that was 19 hours when you include a 6-hour delay beforehand. Oh well, be sure to have fun in America anyway!

While Birdman is right on the electronic message, and Wi-Fi access thing, I believe Wireless Play, Download Play, and Streetpass are still reccomended to be disabled. But I'm not too sure about it. I didn't put my wireless on during my trip to California just in case I'm not the one to blame over whatever troubles that the pilot, and communications have to deal with.

I should also mention, I did get a StreetPass hit mid-flight once and I have also left my cell phone on during a 4-hour flight once (In my defense, I'm not super popular and had been up for ~38 hours straight beforehand since I'm bad at sleeping on flights), so it's not like wireless signals mid flight will cause disaster. They're just frowned upon. Follow directions given and you'll be fine.

Awesome, thanks guys. I thought it'd just be good to check with people who'd know more about it than me. Generally I've never had a problem with anyone having concerns over my usage of electronic devices on planes, hopefully all goes well.

If you're on a plane, it is recommended that you do one of the following for wireless devices

1. Shut it off

2. Switch to "airplane mode"

Yes, shut off that wireless because you could take down the plane! But hey, would you like to buy our wireless internet service for $5?

lol pretty much. there is a lot of evidence saying this rule is stupid, yet they won't reconsider changing it

Those restrictions don't stop me. I remember one summer turning on my DS (after takeoff) and having a rather competitive MK:DS session with some guy towards the front of the plane.

I know that some games mention not to use wireless features in airports, like the C-Gear in Pokemon B&W and B&W2.
I'd assume that you could do anything you wanted to though involving wireless communications on a 3DS, as long as you have been given a clear by the flight attendant or pilot.
If you get worried, as others have said, flick that wireless switch, but you should be fine.

I'm getting confused about using wireless on planes in-flight, can or can you not play multiplayer/streetpass/internet 3DS features while up in the air? I might want to play mario kart or visit my cousins ACNL town, just need to know a definitive answer.

As far as local multiplayer and StreetPass go, you can use them in-flight, but you're highly discouraged not to to avoid interfering with flight instruments. In terms of Internet-related 3DS features (using the eShop, SpotPass, Nintendo Network, etc.), most planes have Wi-Fi you can use, but for a fee. I can't give you a specific amount, because some offer "Wi-Fi Plans" giving you unlimited use for a certain amount of time, but if you do purchase them, it usually costs somewhere in the range of USD$10-25 (which, according to Google's exchange rates, is ~NZD$13-33). I also cannot confirm whether or not you could connect your 3DS using this Wi-Fi; you probably can, but I'm not 100% certain about that.

You can only play wirelessly if you buy an in-flight wifi plan. From my experience, the wifi usually isn't that great. I've tried, for example, to stream Netflix movies twice on flights, and it just didn't work. I wouldn't get your hopes up for playing multiplayer while in the air.

You can entertain yourself for less than 90 minutes without wifi anyways

I have faith

You mean you want this poor soul to take a nap instead? Or talk to their neighbor? Look out the window? Or dare I say... bring a book? Ye gods, man!

In all seriousness, as everyone else has already mentioned, you can use electronic devices on flights while in the air but usually not within the first 10 or 15 minutes or so of takeoff or landing. They'll let you know when you're OK to turn your devices back on. No big deal. :3

Well I don't know if my 3DS is going to be charged by the time we touch ground after our 19 hour trip and I'm not buying a battery extender (because they are f*ugly), buying a third 3DS wouldn't make sense unless I was wanting to get a second normal 3DS under the free game policy that Nintendo currently has and to be honest I don't like the original 3DS screen any more.
Oh well, maybe I can purchase a tablet like an iPad or some kind of e-reader to read Manga, wait can you read manga on them? I thought it was only e-comics.

Are you flying Virgin Atlantic? If so just buy drinks for all the hawt chicks. You only need one to take interest, then boom.

If you're doing any other airline, just make eye contact and wink excessively. They'll get the picture.

These are slightly less exciting ideas, but they'll work nonetheless!

I had to laugh at this ridiculous attempt at comedy, but I don't think bribing anyone with free drinks or giving 40 winks is gonna help anyone (and I wouldn't do it anyway). Oh I'll be careful when I use wireless on the plane, but I'm pretty sure wireless devices don't affect planes at all, didn't they disprove that theory on Mythbusters? I'm pretty sure that wireless devices don't affect planes at all.
Anyway, Sleeping? that's for losers, nah just joking, but seriously I'm not one for sleeping on airplanes, even if it is a long haul flight like the one i'm taking. I want to take as many electronic devices with me as possible, my iPod, my 3DS, DSi, my GBA (with wireless adapter, LOL!) etc to distract me, even if it means I end up with jet lag by the time we arrive..