Etihad Will Offer Free iPads and Wi-Fi on Flights Affected by Electronics Ban

Etihad Airways will offer loaner iPads and free Wi-Fi connectivity to first- and business-class flyers on flights effected by banned laptops and tablets on some direct flights to the U.S.

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 said that the iPads and free Wi-Fi will be available to first- and business-class guests on April 2.

“To help guests keep in touch with work, friends and family, we are offering First & Business Class guests free WiFi and iPads on all our US-bound flights, beginning Sunday, April 2nd.

Etihad said in an email to Business Insider.

“Wi-Fi vouchers will be distributed by our cabin crew on board, providing free Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight. In addition, we’ll have iPads available for those that need them. Power and USB sockets at every seat will help keep devices charged.”

The announcement will apply to the passengers flying from Abu Dhabi to the handful of US destination served by the airline — including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Economy class passengers will not be included in the program.

Etihad’s loaner iPad program is the latest attempt by one of the nine airlines affected by the US government’s laptop ban to offer passengers an alternative means of internet access.

Earlier this week, Turkish Airlines announced on Twitter that passengers who turn in their laptops and tablets at boarding will receive free WiFi on board.

Last week, Emirates implemented a laptop handling program that allows passengers getting on US-bound flights to have access to their laptop until boarding. The Dubai-based carrier has also hinted that it may offer loaner laptops.

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Homeland Security Bans Large Electronics From Airline Cabins On Some Flights

Passengers on flights to the United States from eight countries in the Middle East and Africa will not be allowed to bring any electronic devices bigger than a smartphone on board because of new security restrictions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) notified a number of international carriers flying those routes that starting March 21st 2017, passengers will have to check iPads, Kindles, laptops and other devices before going through security or boarding because of safety concerns.

Nine carriers are being impacted by the new rule—Egyptair, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

No U.S. airline will be affected as none flies nonstop from the 10 cities included—Cairo, Egypt; Dubai and Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; Istanbul, Turkey; Doha, Qatar; Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City; Casablanca, Morocco; and Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—to the United States.

Both Royal Jordanian Airlines and Saudi Airlines confirmed the changes on Twitter on Tuesday morning. Royal Jordanian said that its flight To Montreal, which continues through Detroit, would also be affected.

UK Government has also implemented new security requirements for cabin baggage on direct flights from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Tunisia to the UK.

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CATHAY PACIFIC TO ADD FOUR NON-STOP FLIGHTS BETWEEN SAN FRANCISCO AND HONG KONG WHICH WILL INCREASE FREQUENCY TO THREE FLIGHTS EVEYDAY

 

cathay

Cathay Pacific announced four additional non-stop flights between San Francisco and Hong Kong, using the new Airbus A350-900, featuring a refreshed Business Class cabin. This will be the airline’s first A350 deployed in the USA and second in North America. At the same time, flights to Los Angeles will be reduced from 28 to 21 per week. These changes come on top of previously announced additional services that will operate to Vancouver and Boston from late March.

Cathay Pacific Senior Vice President, Americas, Philippe Lacamp, said, “San Francisco is ready for a third daily Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, and we are delighted to meet this growing customer demand. We are particularly pleased to be able to use this additional service to operate our new, state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft, the first operated by Cathay Pacific in the USA. Since launching our first non-stop service from SFO to Hong Kong over 30 years ago, the San Francisco Bay Area has been a key market in our global network. San Francisco is an ideal market to debut our newest aircraft, the A350. Not only is it the quietest among the aircraft types in its class, but it is also 25% more fuel efficient with a corresponding reduction in emissions. The A350 has also provided an opportunity for Cathay Pacific to prove itself again as a leader in airline eco-innovation. The cabin carpets and passengers’ blankets are made from recycled plastic and nylon, including plastic bottles and salvaged fishing nets that are otherwise a hazard for marine life.”

Cathay Pacific’s new A350-900 have some really good features. Design of the cabin features has been carefully considered to give passengers the best sleeping experience, the best entertainment, and to offer them more control over how they want to use the space. Aircraft offers more space and comfort, a quiet cabin, panoramic windows and LED mood lighting, contributing to a more comfortable and relaxing journey in all cabin classes.

The A350-900 Business Class seats are build on the success of the airline’s award-winning long-haul Business Class product. On side of fully-flat bed, new features includes extra stowage space within easy reach and the personal service offered by a “Do Not Disturb” and “Wake-up Call” function in the entertainment system.

Start Date: from Winter 2017

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Business Class vs First Class: A Quick Comparison

There is often great confusion as to the difference between business class travel and first class travel and many people mistakenly believe that they are one and the same thing. This could not be further from the truth. These two classes of travel vary greatly and, depending on your travel requirements, will determine which class you will inevitably select.

If you value privacy and ultimate comfort on flights, especially during long-haul flights, you may want to opt for a first class ticket. The reason for this is that many airlines offer private, enclosed seats with amenities such as your own private workstation, tv and wide-angled bed that can lie completely flat.

Singapore Airlines Busines seat

As the name suggests, business class was originally targeted at the corporate market and today, most business class passengers are still businesspeople flying off to meetings in other cities for business travel. This is due to the fact that most high-end companies can afford to fly their employees business class but, in return often expect them to work while flying in their comfortable business class seats.

Although not quite as luxurious as first class, business class enables one to experience a very comfortable flying experience at a cheaper price than a first class ticket.

 

If you are thinking of flying in your personal capacity and believe that a business class or first class ticket is out of your price range, think again! Travel agencies such as Sunline Travels, who specialize uniquely in first and business class travel can often find you cheap business class tickets and discounted first class tickets which can make the discomfort of long-haul flights so much more comfortable. Of course, if you travel frequently, using your frequent flier miles can also help you to obtain a discounted business class flight or even a cheap first class ticket.

Whichever way you look at it, business class and first class travel is definitely that way to go!

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