Saturday, November 28, 2009

Airlines gaining internet access: Will you use it?

<img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/ZRJPLlBM8GCB/photos/a583a66e29c7c18c175c5a8f3c6b9970/mr_acd611c39bad09.jpg?ug_____DG9Knqu55" align="left" height="266" width="400">With all the unfortunately magazine closings recently, we couldn’t help but notice slimmer pickings at the airport newsstands during this past week’s holiday travel. Sure, some airlines like JetBlue have TVs for every passenger, but us travelers are growing increasingly demanding… and increasingly attached to our computers!<br><br>Virgin America will be offering Wi-Fi aka internet access on all of its planes by mid 2009, letting passengers surf the web, email and IM via their computer or mobile device. Phone calls will still be off limits, but we think that’s OK, because no one wants to hear 100+ people having noisy conversations during their trip. <br><br>Other airlines, including American and Delta, plan to follow suit next year, while JetBlue, Southwest and Alaska Airlines are working on similar technology as we speak. <br><br>Is this a good thing? We say, why not. Business people can get their work done on flights (though, sadly, they now have no excuse for lack of productivity or anything called a break), and we can laugh catch up with friends, watch movies and TV online and even read Shine. Ha!<br><br>Would you use airplane Wi-Fi? [<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996471.html?categoryid=1009&amp;cs=1%20">Variety</a>]<br><br>
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From the Community…

Comments 1-7 of 7
  • meztizo711's Avatar
    Posted by meztizo711 Sun Nov 30, 2008 10:07pm PST

    I think thats a good idea,but only for those who can afford a laptop.

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  • Kate's Avatar
    Posted by Kate Mon Dec 1, 2008 12:08am PST

    I think it's excellent...

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  • WilliamM's Avatar
    Posted by WilliamM Mon Dec 1, 2008 1:43am PST

    It will depend on how much it costs...

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  • Quixotic Cowboy's Avatar
    Posted by Quixotic Cowboy Mon Dec 1, 2008 10:03am PST

    As a consultant, the cowpuncher takes between 30 and 45 round trips via airlines a year. While airborne internet sounds cool, I won't be using it for a variety of reasons.

    - I need the break to catch up my reading.

    - Except for 1st Class and some exit rows, there isn't room to use a laptop anyway. (not an issue for smart phone internet use)

    - I avoid the smart phone for the express purpose of being "disconnected" from email at least some times.

    - I need the break to catch up on my sleep.

    -- this list could go on and on....

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  • Will's Avatar
    Posted by Will Mon Dec 1, 2008 1:46pm PST

    Just something else for the airlines to charge for. They are charging you for your bags, for a 3 oz bottle of water, peanuts, and in some cases a blanket. This is just another money making scheme. If the airline offers it for free, that would be great; but it is highly unlikely that would be the case. Until the airlines can give the customers a break (even just a cup of soda) then there is no point to bringing anything on the plane other than a carry-on and yourself.

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  • Fritz S's Avatar
    Posted by Fritz S Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:37am PST

    I agree the airlines really need to gain the internet access.

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  • Fritz S's Avatar
    Posted by Fritz S Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:37am PST

    I agree the airlines really need to gain the internet access.

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Comments 1-7 of 7

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