Airline

United Airlines app gains handy new passport scanning feature

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

United Airlines updated its iOS app this morning, bringing the client to version 2.0.16. The update includes support for a new feature the company is testing out that enables users to scan their passports to check-in for international flights using their device's camera.

United is calling the trial feature "Expanded International Check-In," and its purpose is to allow international passengers to complete their check-in process and print their boarding pass before arriving at the airport. All it takes is a quick photo scan of their passport...

Delta Airlines app updated with support for free in-flight entertainment service

Cody Lee ∙ August 1, 2014

Folks looking to fly Delta Airlines in the near future should checkout the company's newly-updated iOS app. Fly Delta for both iPhone and iPad were updated today with support for Delta Studio, a free in-flight entertainment service for passengers on select Delta flights.

The Delta Studio service is available on all domestic and two-cabin aircrafts, and gives passengers access to a number of TV shows and movies, as well as other content. And since the media is stored onboard the plane, there's no need to pay for a Wi-Fi Internet session...

EasyJet deploys iBeacon support to select airports

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 7, 2014

iBeacon, an indoor micro-positioning service by Apple, is among the technologies in their ascendancy. Like Passsbook, iBeacons are being slowly but surely rolled out by the ever-growing number of retailers, merchants, theme parks, sporting venues, festivals and so forth.

A number of capable turnkey systems for easy iBeacon deployment exist today and the tiny transmitters are dirt cheap, removing an important barrier to iBeacon adoption.

You can now put European airline easyJet on your list of iBeacon-friendly businesses.

The British airline carrier based at London Luton Airport is operating domestic and international scheduled services on over 600 routes in 32 countries and now customers can download its freshly-updated iPhone app and opt in to receive in-app iBeacon notifications at select locations “to enhance the in airport experience”...

Southwest Airlines app now supports mobile boarding passes in 28 airports

Cody Lee ∙ May 21, 2014

Southwest Airlines posted an update for its official iOS client last night, bringing the app to version 2.4. The update includes a handful of improvements, such as faster access to tools like Checkin and Mobile Boarding Pass options.

Speaking of mobile boarding passes, the 2.4 update also adds support for the popular feature to a total of 28 airports. Previously, Southwest's mobile boarding passes could only be used in Austin, but now they're available nationwide...

United Airlines app updated with new in-flight streaming video service

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Back in March, we told you that United Airlines was on the verge of launching a new in-flight movie service for iOS users. The service would allow iPhone and iPad owners to watch over 150 movies and 200 TV shows on their devices for free.

The program launched last month on select aircraft, and today the official United Airlines app was updated to support it. With the app installed, users on compatible planes will be able to access free media while connected to Wi-Fi in-flight...

United Airlines to launch free inflight movie service for iOS devices next month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

United Airlines is looking to introduce a new inflight movie service for iOS users next month, according to a new report. The service will allow iPhone and iPad owners to watch over 150 movies and 200 TV shows on their devices for free.

Users will have full control of the content, meaning they can stop, pause, rewind and switch between videos. And it sounds like all you'll need to access the service is the United Airlines app—no purchase of an in-flight Wi-Fi plan required...

Southwest Airlines now offering in-flight iMessage access for $2 per day

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 6, 2017

Good news for folks planning to do some holiday traveling later this month. Southwest Airlines is celebrating its move to offer gate-to-gate Wi-Fi service with a new in-flight iMessaging plan.

Starting today, Southwest will let any user that has iOS 5 or later running on their device to use iMessage for just $2, thus allowing them to stay connected to friends and family while in the air...

Virgin America becomes the latest airline to let you use electronics during takeoff and landing

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Virgin America, one of my personal favorite airlines, is now allowing its passengers to use their electronic devices during takeoff and landing.

As of today, Virgin America is allowing travelers unrestricted use of most portable electronic devices (PEDs) from “gate-to-gate” on all phases of flights on all of its aircraft within U.S. airspace. Although some carriers have already lifted the restriction of PED use on many aircraft and during certain categories of flight, Virgin America’s fleet of 53 new Airbus A320-family aircraft is the first cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for PED usage during all categories of flight – even during CAT II and CAT III precision approaches and landings.

Unlike most other airlines, Virgina America has also been cleared by the FAA to let its passengers use electronic devices during all categories of flight (yes, that means even in low visibility).

Frontier is now the last major airline not allowing PED usage on its flights. It should only be a matter of time.

FCC to discuss lifting cellphone ban on in-flight voice calls and cellular data

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 28, 2018

After the United States Federal Aviation Administration appeased travelers by permitting airlines to finally expand the use of smartphones, tablets and other personal electronics devices during nearly all phases of flight, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now mulling letting passengers make in-flight voice calls and use cellular data when above 10,000 feet.

Current regulation mandates passengers to put their devices in Airplane mode, which shuts down all radios, thereby reducing any possible interference with the avionics.

However, only specially equipped planes will support making in-flight phone calls and accessing cellular data, should the proposal pass the FCC's December meeting...

Southwest becomes first airline to offer gate-to-gate Wi-Fi service

Sébastien Page ∙ November 21, 2013

Since the FAA started allowing usage of personal electronic devices during all phases of flight last month, most airlines have now embraced the new rule, letting people play Words With Friends from takeoff to landing. Often one step ahead of competitions in terms of services, Southwest Airlines takes this a bit further and now allows passengers to stay connected to Wi-Fi from gate to gate.

United Airlines app updated with new iOS 7 design, new features

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

United Airlines has posted an update for its iOS app this morning, bringing it to version 2.0.1. Well it's calling it an update, but it's been completely rebuilt with an iOS 7-friendly design and several new features.

Included in the new design are what United is calling 'travel cards,' which look like Windows Phone Live Tiles that provide quick access to info like flight status, and more. We've got the release notes after the fold...

US Airways and Alaska Airlines now allow gate-to-gate device use

Cody Lee ∙ November 11, 2013

Earlier this month, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration gave airlines the green-light to allow passengers to use devices such as tablets during all phases of flight. So that means no more turning off your iPad during takeoff.

Now it's just up to each individual airline to change their respective rules, and the good news is most of them seem to be onboard. American Airlines already announced its support, and now US Airways and Alaska Airlines are in...