Via IT Vibe (and others), it looks like Wi-Fi in airplanes will finally become commercially available. According to a press release by Boeing, they’re getting in to the wi-fi hotspot business.
Pricing is honestly not that bad: $30 for 6+ hour flights, $20 for 3-6 hour flights, and $15 for shorter flights. I’d pay that in a heartbeat to have broadband access from my seat in steerage. They also have a pay as you go system, starting at $10 for 30 minutes. If only I could get my laptop to last through the flight. Someday I might be able to redeem my airline miles toward the elbow room and power outlets of business class…
I love how all of those evil radio signals are suddenly safe. I do remember reading about a wi-fi test by Boeing several months ago. I’m glad that they’ve fast-tracked this idea. Lufthansa will be the first commercial carrier to offer the service.
I really hope that airlines in the US jump on this. It’s an awesome opportunity, and I’m sure that a certain percentage of tech-savvy could make travel decisions around the avalability of Wi-Fi in flight. I would sure consider it. (Psst, United: I really don’t want to fly on another airline just because they’ve got Wi-Fi. Get it now!)