Passengers travelling in Etihad’s business and first class cabins will be offered free Ipads and wifi service on all of the carrier’s US-bound flights from Abu Dhabi.
From April 2, the airline has said that cabin crew will distribute wifi vouchers along with the onboard welcome drink, providing free connectivity for the duration of the flight. Ipads will also be available to those that need them.
The service follows last week’s ban on passengers carrying electronic devices in cabin luggage from ten airports in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi International airport.
Devices larger than 16cm in length, 9.3cm width and 1.5cm in depth now need to be checked in following a directive from the Department of Homeland Security, effective until October 14, 2017.
Etihad flies to seven US destinations from its hub in Abu Dhabi. In a statement, the airline said that, “following a directive from US authorities affecting selected airports, Etihad Airways has been advised that guests travelling to the United States from Abu Dhabi International airport are not permitted to carry electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smart phone in the cabin.
“Mobile phones and medical devices are permitted but larger items such as laptops, tablets, cameras and e-readers will need to be placed into checked-in baggage. For those guests bound for the US, this must be done at the point of origin which may not necessarily be at Abu Dhabi International airport.”
In our forum: Laptop and iPad ban
