Instead of worrying whether your iPod will make it through cross-country air travel, get ready to rock the friendly skies.

United just struck a deal that will allow its passengers to plug an iPod or iPhone into the in-flight entertainment systems. Crave says that the seatback TVs will offer on-screen navigation, while charging each portable.

Each system will be equipped with a 15.4-inch TV and a 30-pin connector. The connectivity was made possible by technology from Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

So while you may be subjected to a bag fee, you don’t have to be limited in your movie and music selections—at least on trans-Atlantic routes, which is where the Apple-enhanced fleet will run. United plans to upgrade all of its international planes over the next two years.

From the announcement, it seems like the entire plane will have iPod/iPhone connectivity. However, if you can get bumped up, you can get horizontal while enjoying that entertainment. The airline is putting lie-flat seats into all of its international business- and first-class seats.

The first of United’s iPod/iPhone-compatible aircraft will take off today from Washington, D.C. at 5:40 p.m.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.