Alaska Airlines announced today that customers traveling on Wi-Fi-equipped planes will be able to use Gogo Inflight Internet service at no cost, courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, through Dec. 9, 2010.
“We thank our friends at Honda for giving our customers the gift of staying connected while they travel this busy holiday season,” said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of marketing.
Google is also sponsoring free Gogo Inflight Internet on United Airlines and US Airways. Between November 20 and January 2, 2011, you’ll be able to get online for free using your laptop, smartphone, PDA or other Wi-Fi enabled device. The complimentary access is sponsored by Google’s Chrome Browser.
Gogo’s Inflight Internet service uses Aircell technology, which points terrestrial towers skyward. Row 44, by contrast, uses satellite connectivity. They lease capacity from existing HughesNet satellites, enabling them to provide worldwide services even over water. In February 2010, Alaska Airlines chose to go with a fleet-wide install of Gogo’s Aircell system, rather than Row 44, based on cost.
Alaska Airlines is rolling out Meru Network’s virtualized wireless solution. A total 47 Alaska aircraft have been fitted with Gogo and Meru controllers. The hub can have six access points attached and supports about 100 simultaneous users. Alaska expects to have 105 installations by this fall. Alaska expects to complete fleet-wide installation in early 2011. Alaska currently operates 116, 737s.
HasWifi will let you know whether your flight has Wi-Fi. HasWifi lets you search by flight number, letting you know which flights provide WiFi service.
Related Dailywireless articles include; Airplane WiFi: Slow to Take Off, Alaska Airlines Goes with Aircell WiFi, AirCell Powers American & Virgin Airlines, Free Plane-Fi, American Airlines & Southwest: Inflight Wi-Fi Fleetwide, Shipboard AIS Gets a Satellite Swarm, AT&T CruiseCast Live for Vehicular Television, Virgin America: Wi-Fi for All, PlaneFi Roundup.
