Fitbits can now be operated on Air New Zealand flights (as long as they're switched to flight mode).

Air New Zealand passengers will now be able to use their Fitbits to record the number of steps they make from their plane seat to the toilet, thanks to the airline's new Bluetooth policy.

From Thursday, customers flying on any domestic or international flight will be able to operate Bluetooth devices from the departure gate to the arrival gate, as long as their devices are set to flight mode.

This includes Fitbit devices, Apple Watches and Bluetooth headsets. Passengers will also be able to operate a wireless mouse and wireless keyboard during cruise.

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The airline said it secured approval from the Civil Aviation Authority for Bluetooth use onboard after conducting comprehensive testing across its fleet.

High-power industrial devices were not permitted to be used on Air New Zealand aircraft.

Air New Zealand general manager of customer experience, Carrie Hurihanganui, said the airline was continually working to meet the needs of travellers.

The existing rules state all devices with transmitting capability, including cellular, Bluetooth and wi-fi, must be turned off and flight or airplane mode selected.