Aug
2
High Speed Internet While Flying High
Filed Under News
In-flight Internet access is guaranteed to be successful. Or is it? That is the question a couple airlines are testing out. We have seen this talked about over and over but nothing really seems to be done. Maybe it will happen this time around?
Lufthansa once offered Connexion service offered through Boeing. The demand for the service from passengers hasn’t been enough to overcome the costs. Now, Lufthansa is trying to bring back in-flight Internet on some flights. They are teaming with T Mobile to bring service for WiFi, SMS and cellular data, but it won’t allow voice calls. They are looking at a satellite based system for their long haul flights. I am not quite sure the cost of the system is going to pass on savings to the passengers.
American is looking into WiFi access on transcontinental domestic flights before they will decide if they will proceed with the service. American’s system will be different than satellites but will use air to ground communications. This is why it will only be available domestically to start off. Hopefully, it will be less than $30 for the service. Otherwise, it will face the same dying fate as Connexion from Boeing.
I definitely would love Internet access on flights as it seems I am always in the air and never on the ground when I am gone. The business passengers might be all for this also. I am at least glad they are not allowing voice calls through the systems as this could be very annoying when someone is yakking next to you on the whole flight!
I think the big key in the success of this system is going to be the cost to the passengers. Once the airlines can figure out a way to slash the costs to passengers, I don’t know how well this system is going to fly!
Free WiFi would always be good too! 
But the airlines would never go for something free!
Now it’s your turn to talk! Are you ready for WiFi on flights? Is the cost a big thing for you?
I don’t think I’d pay $30 for internet access during the flight…
Well its ok if you want to spend that much and you are the sort of person who likes to know their emails come in at ‘real time’.
I wouldnt do it though… unless it was an atlantic flight - then maybe - as they are BORING!
I would think wifi on flights (at least the ones more than 3 hours) should be beneficial, but definitely not worth $30. I think it should be variable and determined by the length of the flight.
Or they could do a thing where you log into the wireless network and give them your credit card info just to connect. Then you would get charged for your usage. This would work if the charge wasn’t outlandish.
Business people would probably like this the most because then they would be able to stay on top of things, even in the air. I know I would consider it if I were to take a long flight. That’s only because I am an internet freak.
If I could, I would have the internet via IV.
Atlantic flights Yes - Short Haul no.
I guess they figure companies will reimburse employees for using wi-fi on the flight. I would only pay for it on the long hauls.
Lets just keep cell phones off planes!
I agree Todd! No cell phones on flights! I would get extremely annoyed!