American Airlines to Test Wi-Fi Service

July 29, 2008

American Airlines has begun testing its new in-flight Internet service on two flights - one from New York City to Los Angeles and another from Los Angeles to New York. The initial Wi-Fi tests will be at no charge to American Airlines passengers, but when the service is launched in a matter of weeks, customers will pay $9.95 for flights up to three hours long, and $12.95 for flights that are more than three hours.

While in-flight Internet service was available on Boeing overseas flights for a short time, ending in 2006, this is the first time a domestic carrier has offered in-flight Wi-Fi access to its passengers. American Airlines is partnering with Aircell LLC, a wireless data and voice communications provider to offer the new Gogo in-flight broadband system.

American Airlines and Aircell Provide Access to In-Flight Internet

With the Aircell broadband system, American Airline's customers will not only have unfiltered access to surf the Web but they can download videos, use email and instant messaging, and connect to secure networks with notebook computers and smart phones from designated Wi-Fi areas on the plane. Passengers will also have free access to the American Airlines website, travel guides, and news headlines.

Gogo In-Flight Wi-Fi Service in the Works with Other Airlines

Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi service is expected to be available on every American Airlines 767-200 plane flying from New York's JFK Airport to Los Angeles with plans to expand to certain San Francisco and Miami flights in the near future.

Other airlines - including Virgin America and JetBlue Airways - are working with Aircell to provide in-flight Internet access to their passengers and, while no details have been released, service may be available by year-end.