More Airlines Testing In-Flight Internet

Friday, December 7th, 2007 by Jordan McCollum

More Airlines Testing In-Flight Internet

Two months ago, we reported that Alaska Air would be the first U.S. airline carrier to test satellite Internet access on their flights. Now, several other airlines have followed suit—but it looks like they might beat Alaska Airlines to the punch.

According to the New York Times, JetBlue Airways began its first test Tuesday, with free email and IM on one of its planes. American Airlines, Virgin Airlines and Alaska Airlines all have plans to begin full Internet access. The Times says access will cost from $10 per flight. The wireless Internet access will not be available during take off and landing.

On JetBlue’s test flight Wednesday, the Times likened the service to dial up with its delays and “dropped calls.” The touch-and-go access is part of the reason why JetBlue isn’t charging during its test.

As for other carriers’ plans, American will have its test plane equipped this month. Alaska Airlines still plans to begin its test in spring, with plans to equip the full fleet by the end of 2009 if all goes well.

Is there a market for this? Forrester Research says there is:

But other companies are convinced that plenty of travelers will pay for more robust Web access. That view is bolstered by a recent survey by Forrester Research that found that 26 percent of leisure travelers would pay $10 for Internet access on a two-to-four-hour flight and 45 percent would pay that on a flight longer than four hours.

Voice calls from cellphones. will still not be allowed.

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6 comments on “More Airlines Testing In-Flight Internet”

Webmaster Money Says:

December 8th, 2007 at 4:54 am

I belive that could be one day for free but anyway I would use it for sure during some flights I am so bored.
12/9 – Recommended Links « Allan Woodstrom’s Blog - Sports, Media, Technology and Politics - Minnesota Blog Says:

December 9th, 2007 at 2:20 am

[...] More Airlines Testing In-Flight Internet – Marketing Pilgrim In-flight Internet access would be a huge differentiator for business travelers. [...]
Steven Bradley Says:

December 10th, 2007 at 1:11 am

It’ll be interesting to see how this first test works and if it will expand. Personally I’d prefer to surf the web instead of be limited to email, but you have to start somewhere.
Mobile guy Says:

December 10th, 2007 at 6:56 am

Why don’t majors test this service?
Marston Says:

December 18th, 2007 at 1:24 am

While others are claiming to have internet in the sky, all of the other systems mentioned use ground based technologies. This means that at best, you’ll be able to read email and SMS. But with Alaska, you’ll be able to watch streaming content – and because its satellite based, the signal won’t disappear over Alaska (important for our business) or on flights to Hawaii – not too many ground based systems between west coast and HA.
Marketing Says:

December 26th, 2007 at 12:17 am

Hi,
When people get started in internet marketing they think all I need is this product and a website. What they fail to realize is the need for traffic. If you have no traffic there are no sales and in the end, no business.