Etihad Airways US-bound business class flights to get free Wi-Fi

Now, first class and business class customers traveling on U.S.-bound flights need not worry about not carrying their laptops along with them because of the latest ban on electronic devices bigger than a cell phone or smartphone. In other words, this also practically mean that customers traveling from 10 airports in the Middle East, Africa and Europe to the United States are barred from taking along with them electronic equipments in cabin luggage as mandated by the newly elected U.S. federal government.

 

 It may be recalled that the federal Department of Homeland Security had issued a directive mandating that “Electronic devices larger than 16 cm in length, 9.3 cm width and 1.5 cm in depth will now need to be checked, effective until October 14, 2017.” The banned items include tablets, laptops, e-readers and cameras.

 

Etihad Airways after assessing the loss of customers in future has decided to offer complimentary iPads and Wi-Fi service in its first class and business class cabins on U.S.-bound flights operating out of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The airline is presently serving seven destinations in the United States from Abu Dhabi.

 

Media reports said that Wi-Fi vouchers started being distributed by Etihad Airways’ cabin crew effective from April 2, 2017. The premium customers were also offered onboard welcome drink, in addition to free Wi-Fi connectivity for the entire duration of flight. The customers who want iPads service would also be given free of cost.

 

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways recently issued an official statement to the media saying that even though the ban on using electronic devices on aircrafts flying from the Middle East on the directives of the Department of Homeland Security, the flight bookings to the United States continue to be ‘strong’ and remain ‘healthy’. The customers have also positively responded to the airline’s gesture of offering free iPads and Wi-Fi service to fulfill their entertainment and business needs.