Delta and JetBlue allow electronics during takeoffs and landings

It didn’t take long for airlines to adopt the new policy that lets passengers use portable electronic devices during takeoffs and landings.

A day after the Federal Aviation Administration announced it would lift the restrictions, Delta Airlines and JetBlue Airways each said passengers on their planes could take advantage of the new rules starting Friday.

Under the new rules, passengers can use music players, electronic tablets, e-readers, smartphones and other devices throughout a flight as long as they are switched to “airplane mode” and are not emitting a signal.

The previous rule banned use of such gadgets when a plane is below 10,000 feet. Cellphone calls are still prohibited throughout a flight.

The new FAA rule says airlines must prove that their aircraft’s navigation and communications systems won’t be affected by the use of such electronic devices.

A Delta spokeswoman said the airline had already submitted such proof to the FAA, allowing passengers to begin using their electronics Friday afternoon.

“We’ve been waiting for this for some time,” spokeswoman Leslie Scott said.

JetBlue got clearance to adopt the new policy at 1:15 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The first JetBlue flight that allowed electronics below 10,000 feet flew from New York City to Buffalo.

ALSO:

United Airlines fined $1.1 million for tarmac delays

China poised to surpass U.S. on business travel spending

FAA to let air travelers go the distance with electronic gadgets