"It is the tannoy announcement that makes many airline passengers’ hearts sink: just as you’re enjoying an absorbing film or eBook, the pilot tells you to turn off your portable device because the plane is landing.

 

Now America’s aviation watchdog is poised to make many electronically-savvy passengers very happy by relaxing the rules for the first time.

 

After consulting the latest safety advice, an advisory panel of the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to relax many of the restrictions from as early as next year. Along with reading e-books, activities such as listening to podcasts and watching videos are likely to be permitted.

 

Bans on phone calls, sending and receiving text messages and using wi-fi during take-ff and landing will remain.

 

Scores of instances where pilots suspect that devices have interfered with cockpit instruments have been logged in recent years. However, no conclusive evidence has established a dangerous link with passenger gadgets."