Flyers value in-flight Wi-Fi more than movies, food
September 1, 2009
Consumers in today's culture of all-access-all-the-time internet value onboard Wi-Fi services over other amenities offered for air travelers, including free movies, meal service and those hot towels you get in first class.
According to a survey by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a nonprofit association of companies promoting Wi-Fi technology, 76 percent of business class and frequent flyers would change plans to have in-flight access to wireless internet.
About 55 percent said they would shift their flight by one day if it meant having in-flight Wi-Fi and 71 percent would opt for a flight with Wi-Fi access over one that provided meal service.
"Business and leisure travelers have long relied on Wi-Fi's wide availability around the world to stay connected and that is becoming an expectation in the sky as well," said Kelly Davis-Felner, marketing director of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Virgin Atlantic already offers internet service for its passengers and Delta, American and United are working to deploy Wi-Fi for domestic flights.
AirTran Airways announced last month that it had become "the first major airline" to offer wireless internet service on all of its flights.
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