Wireless Mouse During Flight
 

I'm thinking of buying one of the new, small wireless mice for my laptop. Does anyone have any info/experience on whether the airlines permit these?

It's a good question. Do most wireless mice use infrared?

A related question is whether airlines mind laptops that have wireless network cards in them. My wireless card goes in my PCMCIA slot, so I normally just remove it prior to flying. But more and more laptops come equipped with 'internal' wireless network cards. I'm guessing most folks don't disable them in the hardware profile prior to flying, so we've already got some wireless signals flying about the cabin...

Don't know if it's still the case or not, but most wireless accessories, like mice and printers, are prohibited.

Not saying it's valid, just saying they are not allowed.

Delta, for example states as prohibited for the flight:

Devices designed to radiate radio frequency energy on specific frequencies
Peripheral devices for computers or games connected by cable

Whicch would imply you could make an argument for the mouse since it's not connected by a cable and doesn't use radio waves if it's infrared.

Laptops with built in Wi-Fi have on/off switches, so they are fine during flight.

The mice in question don't use infra-red as there is no direct line-of-sight. Rather, I think it's either bluetooth or something similar. A small USB pod that plugs into the computer and the mouse--nothing else.

I would bet money that the majority of people with built-in Wi-Fi a/ don't know how to turn it off or b/ don't bother, even when flying.

cordless mice made today use FM radio signals.

I've used one in flight recently without issue. they don't cause problems and won't cause problems. they're safe.

however, i hear you can be executed if they catch you using one.

On my recent trans-atlantic flights on LH a week ago, the safety video specifically stated that wireless accessories, such as a mouse, are prohibited throughout the flight.

Alex

oops -- I never thought about turning off my internal wireless on my laptop when I fly. Guess I'll start doing so...

I really wouldn't worry about turning your WiFi off during flight - the onboard internet providers such as Conexxion will be using WiFi for wireless onboard.

Heck, I often disable even my infrared while flying. Not for any safety reason...but to save on laptop battery time.