| March, 2008 |  |
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Southwest latest to test in-flight Web access
In case you missed this from last week, Southwest says it will begin testing in-flight Internet service on some of its flights this year. The Dallas Morning News (free registration) writes “Southwest’s partner is Row 44, a California-based company that has already announced a partnership with Alaska Airlines to test its system on one airplane beginning this spring. Southwest hopes to start testing the technology on four of its Boeing 737 aircraft this summer.” The New York Times (free registration) says “Southwest passengers with Wi-Fi-enabled devices would have Internet access for e-mail and Web browsing after the tests and subject to approval by the Federal Aviation Administration.”
The Times says the technology being used by Southwest would support cellphone and voice-over-IP calls. Despite that, airline spokeswoman Brandy King says “Southwest has not embraced voice calling.” Many passengers of all airlines have voiced opposition to opening up airplane cabins to potentially chatty seatmates. Southwest’s move follows tests now underway by JetBlue and American. As for AA, the Times writes the carrier last week “said it had finished the first aircraft installation of an Internet broadband connection aboard a Boeing 767-200 aircraft and will install and test the technology on all 15 such aircraft throughout the year. The 767-200s are used primarily for transcontinental flights.”
Continental adding live TV, Wi-Fi options
Continental will add live television programming and onboard e-mail and instant messaging capabilities on some of its aircraft beginning next year, the airline announced today. The airline says it’s offerings will include 36 channels of live television, The Associated Press reports. The Houston Chronicle says “first-class customers will get free access to the entertainment system, while other passengers will have to pay a $6 fee. … The service will be installed aboard Continental’s new Boeing 737s and Boeing 757-300s.”
Continental’s service will be provided by LiveTV, “a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways” that “has provided live television programming and other services to JetBlue since its inception,” according to FLORIDA TODAY. Reuters says LiveTV will begin installing the service on about 225 Continental jets in January 2009, a process expected to take about 18 months to complete. Once done, the effort will cover “the majority of the carrier’s domestic fleet,” Reuters says. The news agency adds “the service will cost Continental next to nothing to start, but it will also get little in return.” LiveTV CEO Nate Quigley says: “We’re providing most of the capital and we’re retaining most of the revenue.”‘
AA to let customers check flight status on Web cellphones
American Airlines said it has upgraded its mobile website to let customers check in for flights and look at itineraries on their Web-enabled cellphones.
The airline said Thursday that it would expand the service this spring to let customers book flights, change reservations and request upgrades from a Web-enabled device.
American said its website recognizes users of mobile devices and directs them to a mobile version of AA.com.
Content is more condensed than on the regular site for users of desktop or notebook computers, but it’s designed to be navigated from a mobile device, the airline said.
Airport Check-in: Denver reaches out to workaholics, gamers
Productivity-minded travelers at Denver International can work at new self-service kiosks equipped with word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. Marketed by Louisville, Colo.-based Zoox Stations, the four office-service kiosks feature an Internet connection, laser printers, USB ports, laptop-charging outlets and booths for privacy. Cost: 25 cents a minute. Video game enthusiasts can also get their fix at the 64 game stations the company has installed throughout the airport.
| March, 2008 | |
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