OREANDA-NEWS. Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will allow customers flying outside of U.S. airspace to continue using their portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet for international flights effective immediately. Delta was the first U.S. carrier to submit plans with the Federal Aviation Administration to allow domestic customers continued use of portable electronic devices while in airplane mode from gate to gate.

All of Delta and Delta Connection's more than 1,250 aircraft completed carrier-defined PED tolerance testing to ensure the safe operation of passenger portable electronic devices during all phases of flight. In 2013 the policy change allowed customers to use e-readers, tablets, and smartphones, all in airplane mode, during taxi, takeoff and landing on flights.

“Customers have told us they want to use portable electronic devices on international flights just like they do domestically,” said Joanne Smith, senior vice president, In-Flight Service. “Now they can, and we continue making the travel experience better for Delta customers.”

Today's announcement continues Delta's efforts to lead the industry by offering customers:

Delta Studio and free content from every seat on more than 1,000 aircraft.

The largest Wi-Fi enabled fleet, including more than 800 aircraft

The only U.S. domestic carrier with personal on-demand entertainment at every seat on all long-haul international flights

Full flat-bed seating with direct-aisle access on all international widebody aircraft

The first real-time baggage tracking on delta.com and the Fly Delta app

The first U.S. airline with real-time customer service through Twitter @DeltaAssist

The expanded customer use of portable electronic devices on international flights compliments Delta's position to not allow the use of cell phones for voice calls while allowing silent data transmissions that don't interfere with customer comfort.

Customers will be advised onboard by flight crews of any exceptions to this policy. Additional details on Delta's updated PED policy are available at news.delta.com.

Delta has invested billions of dollars in the customer experience, including updating interiors with more baggage space and access to power throughout 225 domestic narrowbody aircraft through 2016, and building a new Terminal 4 at New York-JFK and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal in Atlanta. Delta has also spent more than USD 100 million to expand, renovate and consolidate terminals C and D at New York-LaGuardia Airport and opened a Sky Deck at Delta Sky Clubs in New York-JFK and Atlanta in 2013. Additionally, customers have seen Delta's investment in its more than 45 Delta Sky Clubs throughout the system, power recharging stations at dozens of airports, and continued updates to the Fly Delta app including features such as integrated baggage tracking and mobile check-in. Customers can see a complete overview of Delta's ongoing updates to its products with the Delta Fleet Sheet on Facebook.