Wait, what — the European Aviation Safety Agency is saying that electronic devices do not pose a safety risk [1]?! Rejoice! This means that phones, tablets, ereaders, and laptops won't have to be turned off or switched to airplane mode during flight.

Last year, the US-based FAA loosened its policies [2] on personal-device use during takeoff or landings. Their one stipulation? Cellular service must be disabled. Now, this new statement [3] from the European Agency claims that airplane mode is no longer mandatory. "This is the latest regulatory step towards enabling the ability to offer 'gate-to-gate' telecommunication or WiFi services," said the EASA.

But there are two downsides: 1) this regulation applies only to European airlines, and the airlines themselves may not adopt this gadget-friendly policy; and 2) there is no service at 36,000 feet. Not yet, anyway.