In a recent article in the New York Times, some airlines are planning to offer in-flight Internet service to their passengers. Jet Blue Airways, American Airlines, Virgin American, and Alaska Airlines all plan to offer their passengers Internet services within the next couple of days to the next couple of months. “I think 2008 is the year when we will finally start to see in-flight Internet access become available, but I suspect the rollout domestically will take place in a very measured way,” said Henry Harteveldt, an analyst with Forrester Research. But “in a few years time, if you get on a flight that doesn’t have Internet access, it will be like walking into a hotel room that doesn’t have TV.” The airlines’ goal is to turn their planes into the equivalent of a wireless hot spot once the aircraft reaches its cruising altitude. It will not be available on takeoff and landing.
I believe that this is a great idea for airlines. For the business travelers, Internet connections are a major plus as they can stay connected while on the go. Jet Blue Airways is offering this service for free, but the other airlines plan on charging a fee for the service.
Comments (3)
What a great idea! The internet is going everywhere now. I think JetBlue has it right. The internet should be free to everyone. Airlines charge enough as it is. Internet should not be another cost of flying.
Posted by D. J. Lingelbach | December 10, 2007 9:49 PM
Posted on December 10, 2007 21:49
I think it's kind of ironic that their putting the Internet on airplanes now. I remember when we used to be told to turn off all cell phones and handheld devices when flying on an airplane. Well, times have certainly changed. It'll be handy having the Internet on flights now. I can see how appreciative businessmen and women will be, enabling them to do work while on their flights.
Posted by Tim Nary | December 10, 2007 11:26 PM
Posted on December 10, 2007 23:26
Hey now I can finally do something on those long flights when the book I brought along just starts to suck. Bloons tower defense and browsing Engadget sound a lot better than staring at the back of another seat for 3 hours. Also, mid-flight blog posts. Just kidding.
Posted by Papapapat Bonner | December 14, 2007 4:13 AM
Posted on December 14, 2007 04:13