American Airlines set to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi
Here’s one for the frequent fliers amongst us. American Airlines has revealed that they will be offering free wireless internet on all of their Boeing 767-200s that fly transcontinental routes. The planes will be equipped with broadband Wi-Fi access courtesy of Aircell, and should be available to all business class and economy class passengers. If successful, the service could be expanded to all of American’s flights, which would be great news as far as we’re concerned. Let’s just hope they ban any UMA/VoIP capable devices, as we’re pretty sure that allowing passengers to talk on the phone in-flight could lead to an increase in in-flight homicides…But it does look like JetBlue has the right idea.
UPDATE: It looks like we jumped the gun a bit on this one. Aircell has informed us that this service will not be free, despite earlier reports to the contrary. They have yet to solidify their pricing plans, but seem to be aiming for the $10/flight price point. While $10 ain’t free, keep in mind that this service aims to provide full web access, in comparison to Jet Blue’s service which, as of now, will only be offering limited email and IM privileges.
On Dec 7, 2007 @ 10:11 am, Dtest5477 Said:
This is great news, Im sure the geeks of the world will use AA if they can just for this perk. I for one would.
And whats with the JetBlue comment at the end?
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On Dec 7, 2007 @ 10:12 am, jdh Said:
Would be cool but I don’t know how the would beabe to stop uma from using wifi.
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On Dec 7, 2007 @ 10:57 am, JG Said:
I think he’s referring to posts on Thursday indicating that Jet Blue will start offering in flight wifi on Monday (one test plane called BetaBlue).
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On Dec 7, 2007 @ 11:02 am, Dtest5477 Said:
Ah I see now about JetBLue, you could have given a better review.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/07/technology/06cnd-air.html?em&ex=1197176400&en=e019ca3205c41b20&ei=5087%0A
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On Dec 7, 2007 @ 11:46 am, Pete Said:
I will take the Internet-enabled plane/flight even if it costs a little more. I’m sick of doing nothing and spacing out on flights.
And I’m NEVER sitting next to a beautiful woman I can engage in conversation.
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On Dec 7, 2007 @ 12:06 pm, Dtest5477 Said:
NYT article says that AA will not be free.
Only free one they list is JetBlue because they limit you to email and IM to limit the bandwidth. Might google your story before blindly taking it from crunchgear.
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On Dec 7, 2007 @ 1:00 pm, Galvatron Said:
Yeah I. Highly doubt it’s free if anything it gives them an ecuse the jack up another surcharge an raise the ticket price.
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