The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday that airplane travelers will soon be allowed to use their electronic devices throughout their entire flight. However, passengers will still be unable to check their email and update their Facebook pages until the aircraft reaches an altitude of at least 10,000 feet.

While this change updated a policy that many viewed as out-dated, we question whether it is really worth the hype. The time it takes to reach cruising altitude or to descend toward the runway usually only takes 10 or so minutes. Is it really that painful for us to be away from our electronics for that long?

Additionally, as ridiculous as it may sound, laptops and tablets could become projectiles if the owner isn’t holding on to them tight enough in the event of sudden deceleration or another unexpected circumstance.

Keeping your headphones out of your ears during the beginning phases of the flight is also important, so you know what to do if there’s an emergency. You’re going to have no idea where the emergency exits are if you have your iPod cranked to 12 while the flight attendants are giving you safety information.

It may be a bit excessive, but in the event of an emergency, wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? We know the F.A.A.’s updated policy is favored by many who feel the airlines are finally moving forward – into the technology-obsessed world we live in. However, if the extra few minutes it takes to ascend or descend from 10,000 feet really matter to you, you might have other problems to worry about.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.