You will soon be able to use gadgets on planes during takeoff and landing

The Federal Airline Administration's quixotic prohobition on the use of gadgets during takeoff and landing is to come to an end, reports Jad Mouawad at The New York Times. But they're digging their heels in on using internet connections, i.e. radios.

But the panel said that restrictions should remain on sending text messages, browsing the Web or checking e-mail after the plane's doors have been closed. Passengers can do that only when the aircraft's Wi-Fi network is turned on, typically above 10,000 feet. The use of cellphones to make voice calls, which was not part of the review, will still be prohibited throughout the flight.