Portable electronic devices
Travelers may use small, lightweight portable electronic devices (as specified below) in non-cellular or "airplane" mode on United-operated flights. Cellular service must always be turned off prior to departure. Flight attendants will announce when devices may be used in flight, with general guidelines as follows:
- Within the U.S. (including U.S. territories), travelers may use permitted small, lightweight portable electronic devices in non-cellular transmitting mode at all times.
- Between the U.S. and an international location, travelers may use permitted devices except when departing from or arriving into the international location, unless flight attendants have announced that permitted devices can be used throughout the flight.
- Outside of the U.S., permitted devices may only be used above 10,000 feet, unless flight attendants have announced that permitted devices can be used throughout the flight.
Certain electronic devices could cause minor interference with aircraft navigational instruments. Therefore, the crew may ask travelers to completely turn off all devices in certain situations. All devices must be turned off and stowed during emergency preparations.
Travelers may turn on and use cellular service only when the main cabin door is open or when instructed by a flight attendant. Pagers may be used to receive messages at any time.
If your phone, tablet or other personal electronic device gets lodged or misplaced within the seat assembly or aircraft structure and you can't easily reach it, please follow these steps to ensure your safety and the safe recovery of your device:
- Inform the inflight crew immediately.
- Don't try to alter the seat assembly or aircraft structure. If you are seated in a lie-flat seat, don't attempt to operate the electronic controls. A member of the inflight crew will assist you.
- Visit united.com/lob and complete the Lost Items form.
Devices that are permitted for use:
- electronic games
- personal computers (May only be used above 10,000 feet)
- entertainment players
- recorders (audio and/or video, such as tape/CD/MiniDisc/MP3 players and camcorders)
- calculators
- shavers (in lavatories only)
- cameras
- aircraft power ports for laptops (May only be used above 10,000 feet)
Please note that the maximum voltage allowed in inflight power outlets is 50-75 volt-amperes.
As a courtesy to other travelers, please use headphones when listening to any device.
Devices that are NOT permitted for use:
- powered air purifying respirators (PAPR devices; battery-operated and plug-in)
- electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers
- personal humidifiers (battery-operated and plug-in)
- heating devices, such as blow dryers, bottle warmers and curling irons
- TVs
- radio receivers and transmitters
- remote-control toys
Travelers are allowed to use headsets during taxi, takeoff and landing on aircraft that are equipped with seatback DIRECTV® and seatback on-demand entertainment.
Travelers may always use any medically prescribed, physiological instrument, such as a hearing aid or a pacemaker. Please see the Special Travel Needs section for information on other medical assistive devices.