Go Go Gadget – Gate to Gate gadget use comes to Australian flights

It’s about time.  Yep, that’s the general mood of the consumers who hear this news.  As of tomorrow morning, Virgin Australia will be the first to allow you to use your gadgets from gate to gate, and it’s awesome.

During a recent trip to Europe, I was pleasantly surprised to be allowed to keep my phone and tablet turned on when flying British Airways (London to Sweden and back).  What this means is I can listen to my music all the way, I can sit down at the departure gate and play music all the way to my destination.

I could read and e-book, or play a game on my tablet.  So easy.

The only thing you need to do is turn on Airplane mode – which disables WiFi and Bluetooth.

Of course, if in-flight entertainment is available on the plan via WiFi you are allowed to turn that on later during the flight.

It might seem simple, but for people who travel a lot, it’s a great thing, and long overdue.

Virgin Australia tells EFTM they’ll be first to allow gadgets in-flight gate-to-gate with the service starting tomorrow morinng (August 26).  Qantas will follow shortly after at around 3pm.

For Virgin customers the rules are:

• Usage of personal electronic devices weighing less than 1kg will be permitted at all stages of flight (from departure gate to arrival gate), provided flight mode is selected.
• Applies to all Virgin Australia mainline domestic and short-haul international flights
• Includes Boeing 737, Embraer 190, and Airbus 330 aircraft.
• Devices weighing more than 1kg will still be required to be stowed during take-off and landing.
• Cabin Crew will make announcements on the flights confirming that customers are able to use their devices.
• Passengers will be asked to pause their in-flight entertainment while the pre-flight safety briefing is underway.

So, Go Go Gadget movies, music or games.