Etihad's US bound passenger will soon have an easier time accessing the internet.
On Wednesday, the Abu Dhabi-based airline announced that first and business class passengers on all flights to the US will soon have access to loaner iPads and free WiFi.
"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 2," Etihad said in an email to Business Insider.
"Wi-Fi vouchers will be distributed by our cabin crew onboard, 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 Airways (@EtihadAirways) March 29, 2017
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.
