Comments on: The Extremely Limited Use Rate for Inflight Internet

By: nsx at flyertalk

nsx at flyertalk — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:31:02 +0000

Airlines can make money with free Internet service the same way that they make money offering bonus miles and upgrades. It’s a tool to lock in their most profitable customers. Free Internet for elites is a cost to the airlines, but one that will pay off over time through increased sales of full fares.

Airlines need to look at Internet service the same way they look at any other frequent flier benefit. Then the correct decision will be clear.

By: tivoboy

tivoboy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:25:30 +0000

I think they need to come up with a bundle, IN FLIGHT and ON THE GROUND usage partnership with the RCC and other clubs. Pay a bit more, get more than one flight AND on the ground usage in the airport or club. that would probably get the buyer to ante up more

By: Sinep

Sinep — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:46:31 +0000

Improvements in power outlets will help, but the main factor is that passengers simply don’t know about the option at all, or they assume it is too complex or expensive. If they could snap their fingers and be online without hassle for $5, they would do it much more frequently.

By: Delta-PM-Flyer

Delta-PM-Flyer — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:34:07 +0000

I used the free Delta code deltatrygogo on my last flight. I agree that the day rate needs to be better. $9.95 for one flight is just nutz. I would maybe pay $5-10 for 24 hours. And yes, more power to is needed on flights as almost no one other than me has spent the cash for a 6 hr battery!

By: Steve K

Steve K — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:45:16 +0000

Power outlets will have more to do with use than its cost.

I just flew SFO-EWR on United metal. Neither wireless nor power (in F, no less). Given that my batteries last about 2 hours, I would not have paid for it had it been an option. With a power plug at the seat, I would have gotten almost 3 times that and would have ante-ed up.