Airline tests in-flight Web access

by JeffHuang | June 25, 2008 at 06:02 pm | 316 views | 1 comment

Now boarding American Airlines Flight No. "It's really hot out here"

To start off, flying is not my favourite thing in the world. I cannot sleep on flights and I just don't find it all that comfortable. So for people like me, having in-flght web access is great news. Anything to bypass time and time my mind off the uncomfortable-ness of flying, I am all for it. I would have to think twice about paying to access the net, but I can just see the day when internet access is free for everyone and it is the norm to be browsing and chatting on msn on all flights. We would all look back to 2008 and laugh at the idea of not having internet on flights or even have to pay for the service. However, as of now, lets hope the testing is successful and feedbacks are positive.

American Airlines says customers will be able to test in-flight Internet access on two flights beginning Wednesday, with broader service expected to begin in the following couple of weeks.

Facing record high fuel prices, airlines are looking at entertainment and information services as ways to make a few more bucks per passenger.

American plans to charge $9.95 to $12.95 for Internet service, depending on flight length.

The test with technology partner Aircell LLC will begin on one flight from New York's Kennedy Airport to Los Angeles and one return flight, said Doug Backelin, American's manager of in-flight technology. The test service will be free, he said.

The airline would not say on which flights it would conduct the test.

American is among several companies preparing to offer in-air Internet service.

Aircell is also working with Virgin America, and JetBlue Airways Corp. started testing free e-mail, instant-messaging and some Amazon.com services aboard one of its planes in December.

The airline will begin charging for Internet service soon on its Boeing 767-200 jets that fly from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.

Passengers will be able to use e-mail and instant messaging and to download video and connect to secure networks on notebook computers or other wireless devices such as smart phones through three wireless access points on the plane, said Dave Bijur, an Aircell executive.

Bijur said Aircell's networks can handle a planeload of Web surfers.

Besides the paid service, passengers will be able to connect free to American's Web site, Frommer's travel guides and limited news headlines, Backelin said.

American won't filter any Internet content. Backelin said attempts to block pornography, for instance, could disrupt legitimate Web sites.

"We already have policies and procedures to deal with inappropriate material that people bring on board, including magazines and DVDs," he said, adding it will be up to flight attendants to enforce online protocol.