Nov 6, 2013, 5:32 pm
Last edit by: flyingnosh
As of evening of Nov 6, UA began allowing use of lightweight personal electronic devices below 10,000 feet.
Press Release
Questions:
Note: on one recent flight, FA stated that the limit on UA is 2lbs.
Press Release
Questions:
- Does this apply to international flights when taking off / landing in US airspace? Yes.
- When will United Express flights be included? Press release implies by end of year.
- Can I use my laptop? UA website says no, but in practice not clear. The key issue is weight. FAA uses 3 lbs limit, Delta uses 2 lbs limit, UA has no stated limit. More to come on this one. For now, do not assume you will be able to use even very small laptops.
Note: on one recent flight, FA stated that the limit on UA is 2lbs.
UA's New Policy for Passenger Electronic Devices During Takeoff/Landing (6 Nov 2013)
Nov 6, 2013, 3:46 pm
#77
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 11
Will be self-enforced
I've never powered my cell or tablet off but I have put it in airplane mode purely to save the battery. You're not really going to get reception anyway so you might as well prevent the device from trying to find a tower.
Nov 6, 2013, 4:51 pm
#78
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: One Pass
Posts: 250
UA got their approval today.
Customers may now use PEDs throughout flight
We have received government approval to allow our customers to use their portable electronic devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight from gate to gate. We began offering electronics-friendly cabins on all domestic mainline flights arriving or departing within the 50 United States after receiving FAA approval this afternoon.
With this change, customers can now safely use their lightweight, handheld electronic devices – such as tablets, e-readers, games and smartphones – in non-transmitting mode from gate to gate, unless a flight attendant instructs them otherwise. Larger electronic devices, like laptops, must still be stored securely in an overhead bin or another approved stowage area during takeoff and landing.
“We know our customers want more freedom to use their portable electronics during flights,” said XXXX XXXXXX. “This is one of the many ways we can make the travel experience we offer more user-friendly.”
For our flight attendants, the new policy means ensuring that customers safely secure or properly stow their PEDs during takeoffs and landings. Flight attendants also must tell passengers when it is safe to use PEDs or if the captain has directed customers to turn them off.
We are providing our flight crews with updated onboard announcements reflecting the new policy and will soon update our onboard safety videos, the safety information in Hemispheres and the safety information cards we store in the seat backs.
We are working with our regional partners to extend the benefit to United Express flights by the end of the year. Voice calls to or from cell phones or VoIP-enabled devices are still prohibited during taxiing, takeoffs, landings and while the aircraft is in flight.
Customers may now use PEDs throughout flight
We have received government approval to allow our customers to use their portable electronic devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight from gate to gate. We began offering electronics-friendly cabins on all domestic mainline flights arriving or departing within the 50 United States after receiving FAA approval this afternoon.
With this change, customers can now safely use their lightweight, handheld electronic devices – such as tablets, e-readers, games and smartphones – in non-transmitting mode from gate to gate, unless a flight attendant instructs them otherwise. Larger electronic devices, like laptops, must still be stored securely in an overhead bin or another approved stowage area during takeoff and landing.
“We know our customers want more freedom to use their portable electronics during flights,” said XXXX XXXXXX. “This is one of the many ways we can make the travel experience we offer more user-friendly.”
For our flight attendants, the new policy means ensuring that customers safely secure or properly stow their PEDs during takeoffs and landings. Flight attendants also must tell passengers when it is safe to use PEDs or if the captain has directed customers to turn them off.
We are providing our flight crews with updated onboard announcements reflecting the new policy and will soon update our onboard safety videos, the safety information in Hemispheres and the safety information cards we store in the seat backs.
We are working with our regional partners to extend the benefit to United Express flights by the end of the year. Voice calls to or from cell phones or VoIP-enabled devices are still prohibited during taxiing, takeoffs, landings and while the aircraft is in flight.
Nov 6, 2013, 5:21 pm
#81
Company Representative, United Airlines
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
FAA to allow electronics below 10,000 feet. Delta starts tomorrow. Where's UA?
Hi all,
It is indeed now official.
http://newsroom.unitedcontinentalholdings.com/2013-11-06-United-Airlines-Begins-Offering-Electronics-Friendly-Cabins
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
It is indeed now official.
http://newsroom.unitedcontinentalholdings.com/2013-11-06-United-Airlines-Begins-Offering-Electronics-Friendly-Cabins
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
Nov 6, 2013, 5:24 pm
#82
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Plat, HH Diamond, MR Gold, Hertz Prez Circle
Posts: 572
"CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is now offering its customers electronics-friendly cabins on all domestic mainline flights. "
Well, that's about 50% of my flights anyhow.
Well, that's about 50% of my flights anyhow.
Nov 6, 2013, 5:24 pm
#83
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: UA GS, UA 2MM, HH LT Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,803
Hi all,
It is indeed now official.
http://newsroom.unitedcontinentalhol...riendly-Cabins
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
It is indeed now official.
http://newsroom.unitedcontinentalhol...riendly-Cabins
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
Nov 6, 2013, 5:25 pm
#84
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Bethesda, MD
Programs: Dulles Airport Traveler's Aid Volunteer, hopefully future United IK member
Posts: 116
Hey Mr. Goldberg,
Does that mean that they will start In-Flight Entertainment right away after the safety video?
This is awesome news and long overdue!!
Does that mean that they will start In-Flight Entertainment right away after the safety video?
This is awesome news and long overdue!!
Nov 6, 2013, 5:27 pm
#85
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Plat, HH Diamond, MR Gold, Hertz Prez Circle
Posts: 572
Nov 6, 2013, 5:29 pm
#87
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Yep. When AA rolled it out yesterday, it was for their entire fleet including Am Eagle.
Nov 6, 2013, 5:37 pm
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Flew six segments since the FAA announcement, the latest was this morning between IAD and LAX. FAs kept saying UA is awaiting government approval. Just like my ancient 757 that was awaiting installation of AC power at the seat instead of the DC cigaret plugs in F! Looking forward to my next AA flights!
Nov 6, 2013, 5:41 pm
#89
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,656
Consider yourself lucky, mainline flights are at best 3% for me. I look forward to this change making its way to the UX flights.
Nov 6, 2013, 5:44 pm
#90
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 504
This is great news but a) funny how AA could work out eagle flights immediately too and b) that press release sure makes it sound like United is ahead of the game, doesn't it?
Edit: Ok the AMR comparison not a good one, I take that back.
Edit: Ok the AMR comparison not a good one, I take that back.
Last edited by ACVBear; Nov 6, 2013 at 5:59 pm