American Follows Delta & Virgin America by Providing WiFi Service on Domestic Flights

Being on a plane in flight is one of the last outposts of email and web free zones in the U.S. However, this is becoming less and less true. Delta led the way in announcing WiFi service while in the air on domestic (non-ocean) flights in the U.S. by the end of 2009 Virgin America’s service is scheduled to start this summer. And, now USA Today tells us…

American to add Wi-Fi service to domestic flights

Like Delta, American Airlines plans to roll out its WiFi in-flight service by the end of 2009. The service will cost $12.95 for notebook users on flights longer than 3 hours ($9.95 for shorter flights). Handheld devices (like smartphones) can get the service for $7.95.

Although cellphone use is still banned in-flight, I wonder if we will start hearing a lot of chatter from Skype and other VoIP-type calls now. Hmm…

CORRECTION (2009.4.3): Virgin Air currently has 13 planes offering WiFi service. Its entire fleet is scheduled to offer WiFi service by the end of the year.

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