American Airlines Adds More Wi-Fi Enabled Flights
Friday, September 11th, 2009
Internet service is among the most sought-after travel perks for budget-conscious travelers looking for ways to maximize their airline experience, and most airlines offer the service at an affordable rate. American Airlines has been at the forefront of Wi-Fi enabled planes, and has recently expanded its in-flight Internet service to more planes in its fleet. Wi-Fi service will soon be available in over 100 MD-80 planes, and the airline expects to add more Wi-Fi planes to its fleet through 2011.
American Airlines works with Gogo Inflight Internet Service, one of the leading providers of inflight Wi-Fi service available. Travelers who use the Gogo Inflight portal can connect to the web after the plane reaches 10,000 feet, and can enjoy interference-free service when the plane reaches 30,000 feet. Wi-Fi service aboard American Airlines planes received FAA approval in April 2008, and has been well-received by most passengers so far.
The in-flight broadband access is available across most transcontinental flights, and the Gogo service includes complimentary access to AA.com so that passengers can check flight information and review fare prices without paying any fees. Passengers that do wish to pay a fee for wireless Internet during their flight have full access to virtual private networks and all websites, but VoIP services will not be available because the cellular service has the potential to interfere with network traffic.
American Airlines is the first U.S. carrier to offer in-flight Internet access. The fee to access the Gogo network is $12.95 per connection. Only one major airline has equipped its entire fleet with Gogo Internet service. AirTrain Airways that manages a fleet of 136 planes offers Gogo Inflight Internet aboard every flight. American Airlines expects to have approximately 300 planes equipped with the Gogo Inflight Internet service by 2011. Passengers that cannot connect to the service on board can still find wireless Internet access points at airports, and at American Airlines airport lounges across the country.
