Southwest Airlines has joined the 21st century.
The airline, which has been criticized for having
out-of-date technology, is following through on its promise from more than a
year ago.
Southwest is adding seat-back charging stations throughout
its fleet so passengers can charge their devices. It happened earlier this week
when the airline retrofitted one of its 737 planes and flew from Dallas, its
home field, to Las Vegas.
"The ability to keep your devices charged while you are
connected inflight is a request that we've heard consistently in ongoing
conversations with our customers," said Tony Roach, Vice President of
Customer Experience and Customer Relations, in a statement.
Complaints of an outdated system have besieged the airline
after suffering thousands of delays and cancelations because of obsolete
technology over the last year. Adding the charging stations may not sound like
a big deal, but it is a step in the right direction for Southwest.
The power station is only for USB charging. The power ports
will fit Apple power jacks, Androids, and computers.
Southwest will start with its 737 planes and then retrofit
the rest of its fleet this month. It is taking delivery of 70 new aircraft this
year, the company said.
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