Beginning May 1, Austrian Airlines’ passengers will be permitted to use their electronic devices on board, as well as during takeoff and landing. The rule applies to all Austrian Airlines routes and is valid for smartphones, tablets, notebooks and other electronic devices with a maximum weight of one kilogram (about  two pounds). When the new rule goes into effect, approved devices may remain switched on without interruption during the entire time on board. The prerequisite is that all transmitting functions must be deactivated, and the device must be kept in flight mode.  

The new rule is based on the updated guidance of the European Aviation Safety Agency on the use of portable electronic devices on board.

Previously, electronic devices had to be completely switched off during takeoff and landing. It is still not permitted to make phone calls from the time the aircraft doors have been shut until the time they are reopened after landing.