China Eastern Becomes First Chinese Airline To Allow Inflight Smartphone Use

One word: FINALLY!

Hainan too, according to the same Twitter feed.

Flying both MU and HU next week, so pretty happy about the timing.

Whoops, its a good thing I didn't get in trouble for using mine, that would have been a miserable 12 hour flight 2 weekends ago on Air China. It's funny because I was in the last row by the crew the entire time.

Just a funny story. China Eastern is the first Chinese mainland airline to announce this policy with flights starting at Jan. 18 (literally at 12:00 am Jan.18, flight attendants on some China Eastern's overnight flights announced that now phones are allowed).

However, Hainan is the first Chinese mainland airline to actually allow inflight smartphone use. Hainan began immediately on Jan.17 night, with its President onboard the flight HU7781 to announce now phones are allowed.

I used my phone last year to document some stuff on China Southern (despise them if you want, but their economy and premium economy have given me good impressions) but I gladly welcome the change. Funny enough this was talked about 6 months ago again on this website

Better change the headline to "mainland Chinese airline". Cathay already allows it, and Hong Kong is part of China. Don't want to upset the Communist Party like Delta did!

Previous policy not strictly enforced, but a welcome change.

Hmmm I flew MU from lax - pvg after New Years and even in J they asked us to switch off our phones. Maybe it hasn't been implemented entirely?

@ John right on. The flight attendant allowed people to use their labtops inflight but not allowed the use of smartphones inflight. I guess it either depends on the flight attendant or who were the VIPs.

I flew LAX to PVG and back last March, used IPhone and IPad on the flights with in flight internet. Internet worked well and was never told that I could not use either devise.

"Specifically, you’re not allowed to use your smartphones or tablets on Chinese airlines, even if they’re in airplane mode, and even during the flight."

Not entirely correct, MU, CZ, and CA have permitted use of tablets (airplane mode) upon reaching cruising altitude for several years already. Only phones have been prohibited during the entire flight (until today with MU).

This is gonna suck big time. You guys have probably never taken the train in China where cell phone use has been permitted. Get ready for "shout mode." I also bring those disposable headphones from hotel gyms to distribute since obviously fellow passengers must have forgotten them, which is why they are blasting their phones volume to watch video.

Just seen on WeChat that Spring Airlines have announced that they will also permit PED use gate to gate from February 1st.

i can just hear the talking on phones all nite when flying!!!

@Aaron

I've travelled on numerous trains in China (K-class, T-class, Z-class, D-class and G-class, so I've almost seen them all), and not once have I had an issue with obnoxious smartphone usage.

Admittedly, I have witnessed a couple of isolated incidents regarding smoking, though, of course, everybody was polite enough not to say something.

While I can't speak for every Chinese train, and maybe that is the case in Northeastern China and Xinjiang where I am yet to visit, a smartphone-based incident is something I've never seen before.

Air China's website now states that they allow the use of Personal Electronic Devices. Good thing too as I've got 4 legs booked with them between London and Singapore in a couple of weeks.

Spring Airlines will allow use of cellphones next month. Lucky Air, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern Airlines will start Friday. I couldn’t quite tell from the news if it was the 19th or 26th, but regardless before the end of January, you can use it on these three airlines. I am sure before CNY, Spring Airlines will allow the use of phones as well.

@Ben I wonder if that includes Shenzhen Airlines, since they are under the same parent company.

@Stanley Shenzhen Airlines began permitting PEDs from today (23/1) according to Chinese media. It looks like each airline, no matter what its parentage has to apply separately for permission from the CAAC. For example, Shanghai Airlines only permitted PEDs on the 19th despite China Eastern permitting them from the 18th.

As it stands, according to Chinese media, 9 out of the top 10 mainland airlines permit PEDs, with the other (Spring Airlines) permitting PEDs from February 1st.

@seanpodge thank you for the very helpful info.