AA FA's go wireless on-board
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
AA FA's go wireless on-board
I guess the FA's don't want us to have cell phones "for our safety and security", but it's OK for them to be wireless.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/...ss/trshark.php
By mid-June, according to American Airlines, its more than 2,200 daily domestic and international flights will be equipped with wireless hand-held devices to enable flight attendants to process major credit and debit cards. The same touch-screen gadget will also enable flight attendants to easily keep track of cash purchases.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/...ss/trshark.php
By mid-June, according to American Airlines, its more than 2,200 daily domestic and international flights will be equipped with wireless hand-held devices to enable flight attendants to process major credit and debit cards. The same touch-screen gadget will also enable flight attendants to easily keep track of cash purchases.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: HHonors Silver
Posts: 4,030
I don't buy into your premise.
I would assume that the wireless devices used by the FAs will be FAA approved for use in-flight. Other wireless devices that you'd carry on aren't necessarily.
And don't start equating these to cell phones...
I would assume that the wireless devices used by the FAs will be FAA approved for use in-flight. Other wireless devices that you'd carry on aren't necessarily.
And don't start equating these to cell phones...
#3
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 57,960
It is extremely unlikely that either device type will interfere aircraft navigation and communication electronics.
I welcome these wireless devices for I truly hate to use cash for almost anything.
I welcome these wireless devices for I truly hate to use cash for almost anything.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Originally Posted by pdhenry
I don't buy into your premise.
I would assume that the wireless devices used by the FAs will be FAA approved for use in-flight. Other wireless devices that you'd carry on aren't necessarily.
And don't start equating these to cell phones...
I would assume that the wireless devices used by the FAs will be FAA approved for use in-flight. Other wireless devices that you'd carry on aren't necessarily.
And don't start equating these to cell phones...
If you want to debate the social issues surrounding cell phones, take it to Omni. This is Travel Technology.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 31,056
People's Express took my credit card as payment back in the early '80. They didn't need no stinkin' wireless terminal. Just a big hunk of plastic and metal, some carbon paper, and two good swipes.
And they kept track of cash with the big cash register/drawer. They were ahead of their time.
And they kept track of cash with the big cash register/drawer. They were ahead of their time.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 37,486
BA has accepted credit cards for years now. They swipe them all, and the terminal is downloaded when they are on the ground. Of course, the article posted doesn't mention whether or not these new AA terminals work with wireless when in flight, or whether they upload their info when they land...
#7
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 57,960
Originally Posted by ScottC
BA has accepted credit cards for years now. They swipe them all, and the terminal is downloaded when they are on the ground. Of course, the article posted doesn't mention whether or not these new AA terminals work with wireless when in flight, or whether they upload their info when they land...
#9
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA GLD, Marriott PLT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,900
Originally Posted by stimpy
Well the FAA has already approved cell phones on an AA test flight equipped with the special pico-cell on board. So yes, I am absolutely equating these wireless devices with cell phones, speaking as a wireless engineer.
I'm certain you are probably 100% correct. The difference between what you have and what they have is a piece of paper somewhere. They have one, you don't. That's what makes theirs legit and yours not.
#11
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 57,960
Originally Posted by MisterNice
I have not bought anything while aloft for years. It seems like a big waste-o-money for AA.
MisterNice
MisterNice
I already occasionally use my credit card to buy duty free on international flights too.