Saturday, April 25, 2009

winging it



My last post was done from this window seat (I'm back home on the ground now).

I'm sure many frequent flyers are aware and may have already used inflight internet services. Not many flights are equipped yet but the numbers are growing.

(a side note - did you every play with the photo app on a macbook? - fun stuff)



As with most new technology, some are eager to use it and others complain that the change it brings will ruin something. I have posted about it before.

Now that Wi-fi is a standard on laptops and users are familiar with hotspot service at hotels and coffee shops, it is a no-brainer that this airline version connects-up in a very similiar way. Your laptop finds the access point and will typically connect automatically. When you start up your browser you are directed to sign-on page. Using your credit card you buy a session for the entire flight.

The experience was great. I downloaded video podcast from Itunes, did email tasks, IM chats, and listened to streaming music. The connection was better than my home one at times.

For those that worry about losing their only place to be unconnected, I suggest not taking out their laptop and read a good book.

Here's a good post by Runway Girl that gives the Row44 view. Row44 is the company behind the Alaska Air offering.

Share a smile

9 comments:

Lilly said...

Sounds great!! Gosh where is it all going to end. Funny pic!!! Must try it sometmes. I assume we have access here maybe not yet.

Bill Lisleman said...

@lilly - it is certainly something worth asking about before you pack. I suspect most of your flights downunder are long ones. I did some checking on the Qantas site and found a statement that they were evaluating some services.
Also, I found that they have aviation museum in Longreach. I visited a museum in Seattle on this Alaska Air trip.

LazyKing said...

I love your pic, lol
See, i dont travel a lot, around twice per year. So I dont want to pay for the airplane Wifi but i think it's a great thing. I remeber It was free at the beginning but now grrr

Bill Lisleman said...

@lazyking - you're being a comment-king for my blogs today thanks
I suspect some airlines might go free, have coupons or sell it through the mileage program. It is quite involved ($$) to provide it on a plane.
BTW - I don't travel as much as I used to.

alantru said...

Welcome home. That photo is great!

Bill Lisleman said...

@alantru thanks glad you liked it

alantru said...

I came back to see it again.

Bill Lisleman said...

@alantru - always welcome - in fact you can use the pictures if you like (would nice if you include a link back with them).

Hey if you are checking this (gee another visit) please take a look at my last post - click home or the banner. Let me know what you think your comments are always welcome.

thanks

lisleman said...

@alantru - always welcome - in fact you can use the pictures if you like (would nice if you include a link back with them).

Hey if you are checking this (gee another visit) please take a look at my last post - click home or the banner. Let me know what you think your comments are always welcome.

thanks

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