TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today
US Airways (NYSE: LCC) customers can now use certain portable
electronic devices (PEDs), including e-books, tablets and
smartphones, during taxi, takeoff and landing while in "airplane
mode" – a departure from the previous Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) restriction on use below 10,000 feet.
Customers on US Airways domestic mainline flights will now be
permitted to use small PEDs during all phases of flight.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120103/LA28814LOGO)
"US Airways applauds the FAA's decision to expand the use of
personal electronics onboard and thanks the agency and its team of
experts for their diligence in examining this issue," said
Kerry Hester, senior vice president,
Customer Experience. "We are constantly working to enhance
our customers' in-flight experience and believe this is an
important policy change that will further strengthen travelers'
onboard enjoyment while keeping safety at the forefront."
In approving the use of PEDs, the FAA ensured that all US
Airways mainline aircraft are equipped to safely handle
implementation of the new recommendations. US Airways
continues to work with all partner airlines operating as US Airways
Express to ensure timely implementation of their individual
programs which require separate FAA approval.
Travelers should keep in mind the following details with regard
to the new policy:
- The FAA's new recommendations regarding onboard PED use apply
only to domestic flights flown by US Airways mainline
aircraft.
- Phone calls are not permitted once the main cabin door is
closed or before a flight attendant makes an announcement upon
arrival.
- Customers should adhere to all crewmember safety instructions
and refrain from using PEDs during pre-flight safety
announcements.
- During takeoff and landing, customers are now permitted to
secure items lighter than two pounds by holding them (with the
option of securing them in seatback pockets). PEDs heavier
than two pounds must be secured for taxi, takeoff and landing in an
overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of them.
- PEDs must be operated in "airplane mode" or with cellular
services disabled.
- In-flight Wi-Fi is available on most aircraft once it reaches
an altitude of 10,000 feet and an onboard announcement has been
made.
US Airways' adoption of the new policy is the latest step in the
company's effort to upgrade its customers' in-flight
experience. Earlier this year, the airline installed Gogo
Wi-Fi In-flight internet on 270 Airbus A319, A320, A321 and Embraer
190 aircraft along with 58 Embraer 170 and 175 US Airways Express
aircraft – outfitting 90 percent of the company's domestic aircraft
with wireless internet capabilities. US Airways' Airbus A319,
A320 and A321 planes are equipped with Gogo's ATG-4 (air-to-ground)
technology, which strengthens the wireless internet capacity and
increases the available data rate for customers.
About US Airways
US Airways, along with US Airways
Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,100 flights
per day and serves 198 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle
East, the Caribbean,
Central and South America. The
airline employs more than 32,000 aviation professionals worldwide,
operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus aircraft and is a
member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers
more than 21,900 daily flights to 1,328 airports in 195 countries.
Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves
approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in
Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. Aviation Week and Overhaul
& Maintenance magazine presented US Airways with the 2012
Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Year Award
for demonstrating outstanding achievement and innovation in the
area of technical operations. Military Times Edge magazine named US
Airways as a Best for Vets employer for the past three years. US
Airways was, for the third year in a row, the only airline included
as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the U.S. by LATINA
Style magazine's 50 Report. The airline also earned a 100 percent
rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality index for
six consecutive years. The Corporate Equality index is a leading
indicator of companies' attitudes and policies toward lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender employees and customers. For more company
information visit usairways.com, follow on Twitter @USAirways or at
Facebook.com/USAirways. (LCCG)
-Fly With US-
SOURCE US Airways