Skift Take
This is a smart move to ensure Etihad's most valuable customers are able to stay connected on its lengthy flights direct to U.S. destinations.
In a move to circumvent the impact of banned laptops and tablets on some direct flights to the U.S., Etihad Airways will offer loaner iPads and free Wi-Fi connectivity to first- and business-class flyers.
Etihad’s routes from its Abu Dhabi hub to the U.S. cities of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. are affected by the ban. Etihad isn’t included in the similar ban instituted by UK authorities.
An Etihad spokesperson told Skift that the iPads and free Wi-Fi will be available to first- and business-class guests on April 2.
A tweet from Centre for Aviation analyst Will Horton shows the email message that is going out to Etihad customers.
Etihad to offer free wifi and loaner iPads on US-bound flights for business and first class passengers (in response to electronics ban) pic.twitter.com/AMqbPqC1Xb
— Will Horton (@winglets747) March 28, 2017
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Tags: Electronics Ban, etihad, in-flight, wifi
Photo credit: Business class on Etihad Airways. The carrier will offer electronic devices to first- and business-class passengers on U.S. direct flights. Etihad