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Somewhere over South Carolina, a few thoughts about in-flight Internet

July 24, 2009

aaWarning: Wireless Internet connections are coming to a plane near you. I ought to know. I just boarded one.

In fact, I’m writing this post on American Airlines flight 1531 from Orlando to Chicago, thanks to a crystal-clear Gogo Inflight connection.


This is my exact location, somewhere over South Carolina. I’m scheduled to land in about an hour.

Flight map

So why do I say “warning”?

First of all, this really changes everything. For about $6, I can stay connected from takeoff to landing, which means the office can always reach me. There go the remaining two or three hours of relative peace and quiet that I used to be able to count on — unless, of course, I’m seated next to a screaming infant.

Also, there’s the power issue. My laptop battery is already half-drained. Unless American Airlines can figure out a way to get power ports into the seats, what’s the point of buying an Internet connection if I can only use it for an hour or two?

And how about the issue of phone calls? Most in-flight Internet services block Internet-enabled voice services that allow you to make a phone call, like Skype and Google Voice. But how long can that last? And once it’s unblocked — or hacked — it’s just a matter of time before everyone on the plane starts making phone calls from a plane.

How annoying.

Apart from that, I think in-flight wireless services are a terrific idea. Maybe the best thing the airlines have done in years. I hope more carriers add them, and I also hope they’ll keep them affordable — or even free — so that anyone can stay connected while they’re flying.

Nice work, American Airlines. And good job, Gogo.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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13 comments

  • http://www.kundellcommunications.com Linda Kundell

    I recently used wireless on AA during my LA – NY flight. Cost was $13, I had no battery issues with computer, and everything worked well. Addictive and useful for undistracted work in the skies.

  • Chicky

    If they start allowing cell phone use on planes, I’m taking the bus! Or the airlines should at least offer a “no phones” seating option so that those of us uninterested in hearing the Chatty Cathys of the world yack on their cell phones can fly in peace and quiet.

  • Sara

    As a frequent business traveler, I don’t ever want to use in-flight wireless. I have a blackberry and laptop already, ensuring that I’m never really far away and flights had become one of the few times that I truly had to relax. As a meeting planner, I have always valued that bit of time to myself, since the minute I land to the minute I take off again, I am on call 24 hours a day.

  • http://cars.about.com Aaron Gold

    I just tried in-flight internet on an American MD80, BUR-DFW. Those planes do have cigarette-lighter-style power ports in most rows. It worked like gangbusters. I got to try it free, part of a promotion for folks with FF status, but since I make my living as a web journalist, I’d happily pay $12.95 if it meant I could post an article on the plane rather than have to stay up two more hours after I get home.

    My only concern is how much the system will slow down once more people start using it. It’d suck to pay $13 then find I couldn’t do anything meaningful.

  • Al B

    Wireless is fine, but please: No cell phone usage during flights. It’s bad enough that everyone has to announce that they’ve landed. That can’t wait until the terminal?

    I was on a flight several years ago that sat on the tarmac for just under three hours, during which it was open season for cell phones. It seemed that the longest and loudest calls were the least important … my seat neighbor took 30 seconds to quietly arrange for someone to pick up her kids because she would be late, but some yahoo five rows back spent half an hour detailing his previous night’s conquest before a group of us strongly suggested that he terminate the call.

    I’d be willing to pay extra for a flight without cell-phone access.

  • Carrie Charney

    Even Amtrak has a quiet car on its trains. Unless there’s an emergency, I want to be unconnected to the world when I fly. No cell use, please!

  • Justin

    Wireless would be good on several hour flights. Might I say even enjoyable? Cell phones, I hope not. Then again, what would stop one from doing a voice chat over say MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger? Are those ports blocked similar to skype? Somehow, I really don’t want to hear people chatting away on a plane, either. Internet is great. Just be sure to close off ALL OPTIONS of turning it into a voip free for all to circumvent the lack of cell phone!

    Justin

  • Bill

    I’d hate to pay $13 for wireless inflight internet and then have the idiot in front of me put their seat back down.

    The airlines really need to address this seat back issue, which has been an age old problem. Who is going to pay if the passenger in front forces their seat back and breaks the computer?

  • http://nodebtworldtravel.com brian from nodebtworldtravel.com

    Just FYI – The article is not referring to cell phone calls, but calls made via VoIP or Skype through your computer and not a standalone cell phone.

    I’m sure someone is working on bypassing the block on Skype calls, if it hasn’t been done already.

  • Pingback: Wishing for Wireless? | Top Trips

  • Pingback: Save 50% on GoGo Inflight Internet Service

  • Steven

    Good luck using any full size laptop in coach (except maybe exit row) and first class. As soon at the person in front leans back, you are done! I bought a netbook just for this reason, but hate to have to carry TWO computers with me!

  • James

    When I use my laptop I always ask the person in front of me to warn me first before they recline. I have never been refused and even thanked for letting them know in advance. Isn’t this just common sense?

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