Largest U.S. Airlines Now Allow Electronic Devices Gate-to-Gate, Except Southwest

With a flurry of announcements over the last few days, United, US Airways and American Airlines began allowing gate-to-gate usage of portable electronic devices.

JetBlue was first out of the gate, and Delta was second last week in allowing device use below 10,000 feet following the FAA announcement providing the framework for the new in-flight electronic era.

And this means that all of the the largest U.S. airlines, with the exception of the largest domestic carrier, Southwest Airlines, have joined the party.

Southwest states it will implement gate to gate device use as soon as possible, pending FAA approval.

US Airways announced today that passengers on its mainline domestic fleet can use portable electronic devices in airline mode gate to gate. US Airways says it still needs to get FAA approval for US Airways Express.

On takeoff and landings, passengers still need to stow laptops and other devices that weigh two pounds or more, US Airways says.

United Airlines announced yesterday that passengers on its mainline aircraft arriving or departing within the 50 states can use portable electronic devices gate to gate. United states it hopes to get approval for similar use on United Express before the end of the year and is working with other regional partners, as well.

American Airlines began its new policy on portable electronic devices on November 4. American permits gate to gate usage of portable electronic devices on its entire mainline fleet and some American Eagle aircraft.