American Airlines customers can read their e-books, finish reviewing work documents, listen to music or watch videos on handheld portable electronic devices (PEDs) gate to gate.
American has obtained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow customers to expand their use of PEDs onboard American’s entire mainline fleet as well as regional aircraft operated by American Eagle Airlines. American has worked closely with the FAA on this initiative.
“We’re delighted that our customers are now able to use their handheld portable electronic devices gate to gate,” said Jon Snook, American’s Senior Vice President – Customer Service. “We know that our customers have wanted additional access to their personal devices on their flights, and we’ve been working with the FAA for some time to make this a reality. We’re excited to be able to deliver this to our customers because of the FAA’s expeditious approval.”
Passengers on American’s mainline flights and flights operated by American Eagle Airlines will be able to use PEDs from gate to gate – including during taxi, takeoff and landing – within the United States. American is working closely with its other regional partners to bring the same level of electronic device access to customers on all regional flights by the end of the year.
Here’s some additional helpful information about PED use on American and American Eagle Airlines:
- When the aircraft doors are closed for departure, devices will need to be in airplane mode.
- Wi-Fi access on equipped aircraft will be available shortly after takeoff.
- Customers need to secure their handheld devices by holding them or placing them in a seatback pocket. Previously, these devices needed to be stowed under a seat or in an overhead bin during taxi, takeoff and landing.
- Because the safety of our customers and people is always our top priority, customers should listen to all safety briefings and comply with crewmember instructions. Our crewmembers don’t like to interrupt our customers’ productivity, but always want them to be safe.
- This change doesn’t apply to larger items such as laptops. These items will still need to be stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing.
- Some American Eagle flights won’t allow the expanded use of PEDs until later this year.
The expanded use of PEDs is one of a number of American’s recent inflight enhancements. American has 99 percent of its domestic mainline fleet equipped with Wi-Fi, including its entire fleet of Boeing 737s, 767-200s, MD-80s and Airbus A319s. American’s Boeing 777-300ER is the first aircraft in American’s fleet to offer international Wi-Fi, enabling customers to remain connected throughout the flight, whether over land or over water.
In addition to Wi-Fi, American’s Airbus A319s, Boeing 777-300ERs and new Boeing 737s offer customers modern technology onboard, including in-seat entertainment throughout the aircraft. Customers are able to stay connected throughout their travels with universal power outlets and USB ports at every seat.
