APEX and CEA Jointly Release New Study Regarding Portable Electronic Devices on Planes
Ninety-nine percent of adult airline passengers who travel with a portable electronic device (PED) - such as a smartphone or tablet - carried at least one PED onboard with them while traveling in the past 12 months, with seven in ten (69 percent) reporting they used their devices during flight, according to a new joint study released by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
The study, Portable Electronic Devices on Aircraft, gauges consumer usage and awareness concerning PEDs on airplanes. The results of this study have been shared with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as it reviews its policies for inflight PED use.
"Airline passengers have come to rely on their smartphones, tablets and e-Readers as essential travel companions," said Doug Johnson, vice president of technology policy at CEA. "Understanding the attitudes and behaviors of passengers that are using electronic devices while traveling will help the FAA make informed decisions."
According to a release, almost one-third (30 percent) of passengers report they have accidently left a PED turned on during a flight. The study found that when asked to turn off their electronic devices, 59 percent of passengers say they always turn their devices completely off, 21 percent of passengers say they switch their devices to "airplane mode," and five percent say they sometimes turn their devices completely off. Of those passengers who accidently left their PED turned on in-flight, 61 percent said the device was a smartphone.
"This study showed us that most travelers are using their PEDs as often as possible while traveling, and many would like even more opportunities to use their devices," said Russell A. Lemieux, APEX executive director. Four in ten passengers would like to use their devices during all phases of flight, including take-off and landing, according to the study. "The data in the study reveals important insights into actual passenger behavior, which we hope the FAA will find useful as it deliberates on this issue," Lemieux said.
According to the APEX/CEA study, the most commonly used PEDs during flights are smartphones (28 percent); laptop computers (25 percent); tablets (23 percent); digital audio or MP3 players (23 percent); and e-Readers (13 percent).
The FAA formed a Portable Electronic Devices Aviation Rulemaking Committee (PED ARC) with representatives from the airlines, along with pilots, flight attendants, electronic and avionics manufacturers. Representatives from the FAA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were also included on the committee. The PED ARC is tasked with making recommendations by July 2013 on the expansion of PED use while maintaining the highest level of safety for passengers and without compromising the continued safe operation of aircrafts.
Portable Electronic Devices on Aircraft (2013) was conducted between December 14-18, 2012. The study was designed and formulated jointly by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Please cite any information to the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The complete study is available free to APEX members and CEA member companies at members.CE.org.
The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) encompasses a network of businesses and professionals that are committed to providing an airline experience for passengers around the globe.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $209 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry.
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