Qantas and Dell laptops

[oz_mark]

Apple, Dell wind down battery recall efforts

From ZDNET

Apple, Dell wind down battery recall efforts: ZDNet Australia: News: Hardware

Apple and Dell have managed to track down and replace the vast majority of their potentially "exploding" batteries, which has allowed airlines to lift the restrictions placed on the use of notebooks in-flight.

...

In response to this, Qantas has lifted all restrictions that were placed on passengers using Dell and Apple laptops. Virgin Atlantic started lifting restrictions on the use of affected notebooks in November but still insists that if a passenger is using the in-seat power supply to run their notebook, they remove the battery

Not that I can find anything on the Qantas website about this..

 

[N860CR]

You're talking about an industry thats still struggling with the concept of "flight mode"

While on the subject, is there an official Qantas ruling on operating mobile phones while in flight mode. My mobile is also my PDA and (more importantly for long flights) my MP3 Player so it would be nice to be able to use it in flight. A big picture of a plane comes up on the screen when it's in flight mode so there would be no question as to what mode its actually in, but from what the FA's say it would seem mobiles of any sort are still a no-no.

 

[Evan]

They always announce to switch all devices to flight mode if your device has it, if they were not going to let you use it why would they ask you to switch it to flight mode ??
I have never had any issues with useing devices recently, even as we turned off the runway on international flight i pulled my phone out, and motioed i would like to use it and got the nod (CSA had not mentioned we could use them in his announcment, so i asked)

According to this...
Flying with Us - In the Air - Communication

Flight mode capable mobile phones and portable digital assistants (PDAs) may be used inflight provided the phone has been switched to flight mode before take-off. Flight mode enables you to operate the basic functions of your mobile phone or PDA while the transmitting function of your phone is switched off. You cannot make phone calls or send SMS whilst in flight mode.

 

[Dave Noble]

The inflight announcements would suggest to me that if it operates in Flight Mode, it can be used inflight. Switch to flight mode before turning it off before departure

Dave

 

[oz_mark]

From the Qantas FAQ: Answer

Question
If I have a mobile phone or PDA with flight mode can I use my phone inflight?

Answer
Mobile phones and PDAs (equipped with phones) with flight mode may be used inflight provided the phone has been switched to flight mode before take-off. Flight mode enables you to operate the basic functions of your mobile phone or portable digital assistant while the transmitting function of your phone is switched off. You cannot make phone calls or send SMS whilst in flight mode.

For information on whether your mobile phone or portable digital assistant has flight mode capability Qantas recommends you contact your handset manufacturer or service provider.

 

[serfty]

With my 'phone, "Blue Tooth" and the infra-red port are also disabled when in "Flight mode".