Major Airlines To Install iPod docking stations on their planes

The installation of iPod docks by U.S. and international airlines will make air travel a more personalized experience.

Apple announced that it would install docking stations in seats on planes belonging to United, Continental, Delta and Emirates. The installation will be carried out by Panasonic Avionics starting next year.

Air France and KLM said an announcement about their participation was premature, The Washington Times reported Wednesday.

The docks will include a power connection as well as a seat-back video screen that will enable flyers to listen to music or their own in-flight movie.

Analysts tell the Times it will help keep customers satisfied at a time when airlines are cutting perks in order to save money and the development of in-flight Internet connections has faltered.

The docks will likely be first installed in the first-class and business sections of long-haul flights, leaving the coach crowd to rely on their MP3 player batteries or a good book to pass the time.