Skift Take
In-flight use of tablets and e-readers is increasing faster than smartphone and laptops, likely due to their content that can be easily saved and read onboard without paying for Internet access.
Passengers are increasingly relying on their tablets and other personal electronic devices for entertainment and work on U.S. domestic flights, despite a ban on their use during takeoff and landing, a study to be released Wednesday concludes.
The use of electronic devices, ranging from laptops to tablets to smart phones, rose 24.3% this year over last year, according to the study by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at DePaul University. Researchers observed 1,688 passengers on 23 flights operated by six airlines at randomly selected points when at cruising altitude.
The increase in tablet and e-reader use was most significant, from 8.4% in 2012 to 10.7% in 2013.
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