WIFI Comes to US Airways!

[Iheartflying]

Earlier this morning, we issued the following press release announcing a new partnership
with Aircell to provide Gogo Inflight Internet service including Web, Instant Messaging,
email and VPN access to our fleet of A321s. More information about our new Wi-Fi product
can be found in this afternoon's issue of AboutUS.


US Airways is turning aircraft into Wi-Fi hotspots by partnering with Aircell to provide Gogo. Inflight Internet service beginning in early 2010. Full Internet access including Web, Instant Messaging, email and VPN access will be available for purchase to passengers with laptops, smartphones and other Wi-Fi enabled devices.


Gogo Inflight Internet will allow our customers to make the most of their flying time by catching up on work or relaxing and surfing the Internet. This is an exciting new option for our passengers that we believe will enhance their travel experience, said Andrew Nocella, senior vice president, Marketing and Planning.


Gogo will initially be installed on US Airways A321 aircraft, flying select domestic routes. A map detailing those routes can be found at www.usairways.com. And later next year, customers will be able to see if Wi-Fi is available on a specific flight by looking for the Wi-Fi icon while booking their flight on usairways.com.


The pricing for Gogo Inflight Internet on US Airways will be announced closer to the launch date.
Customers will be able to choose service from Aircel's standard pricing structure, which currently ranges from $5.95 to $12.95, depending on the length of flight and type of Wi-Fi enabled device used.


“Gogo is for anyone who wants to make plane time their time,â€￾ said Jack Blumenstein, president and chief executive officer of Aircell. “Whether you want to stay connected to the office, your family or friends; whether you want to work, play or learn; Gogo is for you. We look forward to working with US Airways to bring the world to its passengers.â€￾
More information about US Airways’ new Gogo Inflight Internet service can be found online at usairways.com and gogoinflight.com.

 

[N965VJ]

Bring your batteries!

 

[Travelpro72]

This is fantastic news. Now the f/a's can sit in the back galley and plug their bids in and chat with their friends. I'm so glad that we work for an "industry leading" company though aren't ya'll? Hey good news is good news I guess.

 

[WCT]

What happened to Direct TV services, and On Demand Movies that were suppose to be impemented on all aircraft?? :blink:

 

[N965VJ]

Here’s a short Q&A that Runway Girl had with US.

 

[PHL]

What happened to Direct TV services, and On Demand Movies that were suppose to be impemented on all aircraft?? :blink:

The Lumexis trial of the on-demand IFE ended a month or two ago and USAirways decided not to implement it.

As for WiFi, the East 321's should have the in seat power ports turned back on. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the ports are still there but the circuit is just turned off? The new West A321's (less than 10) didn't come with power ports, so there's another short sighted move on Tempe's part to step over a quarter to grab a penny.

Did someone tell them how quickly WiFi use of a laptop chews up the battery life? I don't know many laptops (except maybe the new MacBook line) that will last anywhere near 5 hours on one full charge while using WiFi.

 

[N965VJ]

Here’s another example of the high cost of cheap biting Tempe in the butt. Reporting this on Engadget, they finished with:

<SNIP> while we can't help but celebrate such an achievement, we're also mighty fearful that this will lead to yet another fee for the privilege of riding on a WiFi-equipped plane. You know -- considering that this airline once refused water to passengers on a 6.5 hour flight last August.

Linkage

 

[Hey.. Chill Out]

The Lumexis trial of the on-demand IFE ended a month or two ago and USAirways decided not to implement it.

As for WiFi, the East 321's should have the in seat power ports turned back on. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the ports are still there but the circuit is just turned off? The new West A321's (less than 10) didn't come with power ports, so there's another short sighted move on Tempe's part to step over a quarter to grab a penny.

Did someone tell them how quickly WiFi use of a laptop chews up the battery life? I don't know many laptops (except maybe the new MacBook line) that will last anywhere near 5 hours on one full charge while using WiFi.

Battery life is lasting up to 5 hours now days, especially in satellite computers. That and you can bring extra batteries.

 

[hp_fa]

WCT beat me to the premise that there have been other announced partnerships in the past. We'll see how this one pans out.

As an aside I wonder if the wi-fi carrier will be blocking all the porn sites? If not I can just wait to see someone bring up some porn and cause a rucus.

 

[Hey.. Chill Out]

Especially when it's an employee. (ME)

 

[Dont call me Shirley]

Bring your batteries!

Especially since the brain trust in the Sand Castle decided to get get of the laptop power ports in Airbus a/c.


Hey maybe they can charge extra for the seat near the 110v outlets!

 

[nycbusdriver]

WCT beat me to the premise that there have been other announced partnerships in the past. We'll see how this one pans out.

As an aside I wonder if the wi-fi carrier will be blocking all the porn sites? If not I can just wait to see someone bring up some porn and cause a rucus.

Do we have a "Hustler" magazine blocker on the airplanes?

 

[hp_fa]

Do we have a "Hustler" magazine blocker on the airplanes?

Doesn't the flight deck door occasionally serve that purpose?

(Just kidding. I would not imply that crew members glance at reading or graphics other than approved flight manuals and company-provided materials while on duty.)

 

[nycbusdriver]

Doesn't the flight deck door occasionally serve that purpose?

(Just kidding. I would not imply that crew members glance at reading or graphics other than approved flight manuals and company-provided materials while on duty.)

I'm sure you know my point. Porn is porn no matter what the medium. I have never heard of any complaint pre-internet, or even today, of a passenger pulling out a pornographic magazine in flight and causing consternation among other passengers.

Why would one assume that, just because it's on a computer, that porn would suddenly become a problem for inflight comportment?

 

[ExPit]

Porno on airplanes happens more than you would think. Most people are fairly discreet, but you will get the occasional person holding up and looking at the centerfold. And, I've seen several x-rated movies on a personal computer, as well as x-rated photos.