[August 05, 2008]

Delta announces plans for in-flight Internet access

(South Florida Sun-Sentinel (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ Airlines are pitching new technologies to woo the flying public, even as they raise fares and charge fees on everything from checked baggage to soft drinks.

Delta Air Lines Tuesday announced plans to outfit its domestic fleet of more than 330 aircraft with broadband Wi-Fi access by next summer. The Atlanta-based legacy carrier is the first airline to attempt Wi-Fi fleetwide.

Others airlines including American and JetBlue have experimented with the service, and Southwest plans to start testing soon. All have explored Wi-Fi as a way for passengers to pass the time more than 30,000 feet above the daily hustle and bustle.

Delta's wireless connection allows for Web surfing, e-mail and text messaging. It doesn't support voice messages, and Delta said it won't allow phone conversations in any case.

Consumer demand for wireless Internet access is growing as corporate and social responsibilities encourage people to stay connected during their travels.

Delta's breakthrough will let passengers stay connected and keep working regardless of whether they're in the airport or on the plane, said Kent George, aviation director at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. "That's great customer service," he said.

High fuel prices have put the airline industry in a financial crunch, forcing carriers to look for ways to differentiate themselves and bring in dollars without raising fares. Delta will charge customers a flat fee of $9.95 on flights of three hours or less, and $12.95 on flights of more than three hours.

"This is just the next evolution of being able to enhance the overall travel experience for the customer," said Delta spokesman Anthony Black. Passengers may notice the Wi-Fi service on a few aircraft late this fall, though the bulk of the planes will not offer the service until 2009, he said.

Continental Airlines in January 2009 will offer live, in-flight satellite-based television at every seat on Continental's newest aircraft. First class passengers will enjoy the TV programs free of charge, while economy passengers will pay a $6 access fee. In addition, the carrier will introduce free Wi-Fi including e-mail and instant messaging connectivity, so long as the airline's service provider is able to offer the access.

Major airlines have invested in airport kiosks, Web site upgrades and fancy flight information displays to make buying tickets and traveling more convenient. Discounters like JetBlue have emphasized in-flight entertainment technology to distinguish themselves from no-frills upstarts. AirTran has XM Satellite radio.

With the addition of Wi-Fi, Delta's menu of services is "going to raise the standard for in-flight entertainment," Miami-based airline consultant Stuart Klaskin said. Delta also offers on-board movies, TV and games. But most airlines don't have the money to invest in such things, Klaskin said, adding, "It's going to take some time before (in-flight technology) is widespread."

Some airlines may offer in-flight services such as Wi-Fi for free in hopes of having a competitive advantage, he said, especially with lucrative business fliers who value staying connected to the office.

Others will stay completely out of the game in an effort to keep fares super-low.

Miramar, Fla.-based Spirit Airlines says it does not plan to offer Internet access or in-flight entertainment on board its aircraft.

"Somebody has to pay for that somehow," spokeswoman Misty Pinson said. "The ticket prices would go up, and we don't want that to happen because that's what our customers love."

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