Pretty clever WiFi logo with the dots for the i's being the engines! Logo from Alaska Airlines.
Blogging about airlines adding WiFi to their fleet will never get old for me.
If you remember Alaska caused a bit of a stir after announcing they would be going with Gogo Inglight Internet service instead of Row44, which they were testing. One of the benefits of Gogo is it can be quickly installed onto an aircraft. Alaska already has six planes internet enabled and hopes to have all Boeing 737-800’s and 900’s equipped with WiFi by the end of the Summer. Their entire fleet should be setup by the end of the year. Like other airlines, Alaska will have a WiFi logo by the main cabin door and information in the seat back pocket next to you.
In a partnership with Alaska Airline’s Visa credit card, they are offering the WiFi for free until July 31, 2010. After July 31st northbound flights from Portland and Seattle to Alaska will remain free, until GoGo Inflight is able to improve on cell reception in Alaska. After the free period, prices on other flights will range from $5 to $13 depending on the time and device you want to use.
To find out where WiFi can be accessed, more information and pricing structure, check out Alaska’s Wi-Fi page.
The idea of passing the time on a long flight by surfing the web (or maybe getting some work done) is very appealing. At a time where internet is pretty on all other forms of transportation (buses, trains, ferries, even your personal car), it is about time for the airline industry to catch up. However, with allowing access to the internet in a very cramped, very public place, American Airlines is planning to not allow passengers to surf any porn sites.