Up, up and away! Who has in-flight Wi-Fi?
Story by Nif Leder
Photo: Getty
In-flight Wi-Fi has steadily been gaining ground -- or sky -- these last few years, so here's a quick round-up of airlines that offer it (and at what prices).
Once your plane hits cruising altitudes of 10,000 feet or above, Wi-Fi can be activated safely. Whether you have a laptop, PDA or just a smartphone with internet access, you are set to go once you check which system your airline works with. We all hate working on vacation, so finish up last minute tasks before you land!
It’s simple and fast to sign up for a Gogo wireless account, which most airlines are using to facilitate the service. Before that, check that your specific route offers an in-flight Wi-Fi program. Some shuttles or connecting flights may lack the service that makes your office mobile.
Southwest was the first to introduce the concept, and remains among the simplest systems in use. Like connecting to any other network, simply find the “Southwest Wi-Fi” router and hit connect.
American
3+ Hour Flights: $12.95
Less than 3 Hours: $9.95
Handheld devices (PDAs/smart phones): $7.95 (regardless of flight length)
Note: Power sockets under your seat (possibly two)
AirTran Airways
Laptops:
Flights under 3 hours: $9.95
Flights over 3 hours: $12.95
Handheld Devices (iPhone, Wi-Fi Blackberry):
$7.95 (regardless of flight length)
Note: Access on every flight through Gogo.com
Delta
3+ Hour Flights: $12.95
Less than 3 Hours: $9.95
Note: Service available on all domestic flights in US through Gogo.com.
JetBlue Airlines
BetaBlue program:
FREE
Note: Only instant messaging and e-mail services are available for access.
Southwest Airlines
Special Feature: In testing phases, so prices range from $2 to $12.
Virgin America (updated: thanks jez, for the reminder!)
Laptops:
Under 1.5 Hour Flights and red-eyes: $5.95
1.5 to 3 Hour Flights: $9.95
3+ Hour Flight: $12.95
Handheld Devices (Blackberry, iPhone, PDA/smartphones:
Under 1.5 Hour Flights: $5.95
1.5+ Hour Flights: $7.95
