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Fly the Tech-Friendly Skies

PC World takes a look at getting connected in the air

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 18, 2008 2:42 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Travelers who want to stay connected while they're on the move get an assist from PC World, which finds that some airlines and airports are soaring ahead in the technology stakes while others are stuck on the runway. Virgin America leads the way, with a power port in every seat, in-flight WiFi rolling out this year, high-tech entertainment, and an on-board system that lets you IM other passengers—or order a meal.

JetBlue and American also get the nod: Both plan to offer mile-high WiFi, and American's mobile browser site is a cut above the competition. United washes out compared to its tech-savvy rivals, with only one aircraft in its fleet offering power ports to coach passengers, although its roomier seats at least give laptop users space to work.

David Neeleman, left, founder and chairman of JetBlue, and Eric Ritter, a director with Research in Motion, use Blackberry devices on an aircraft equipped with an onboard wireless network.
David Neeleman, left, founder and chairman of JetBlue, and Eric Ritter, a director with Research in Motion, use Blackberry devices on an aircraft equipped with an onboard wireless network.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
A Jet Blue plane is backed away from a gate on Concourse A at Denver International Airport on Saturday, June 9, 2007.
A Jet Blue plane is backed away from a gate on Concourse A at Denver International Airport on Saturday, June 9, 2007.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Charles Ogilvie, director of in flight entertainment for Virgin America, demonstrates usage of a computer in the first-class seating section on a Virgin America plane, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007.
Charles Ogilvie, director of in flight entertainment for Virgin America, demonstrates usage of a computer in the first-class seating section on a Virgin America plane, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Charles Ogilvie, director of in flight entertainment for Virgin America, demonstrates usage of a computer in the first-class seating section on a Virgin America, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007.
Charles Ogilvie, director of in flight entertainment for Virgin America, demonstrates usage of a computer in the first-class seating section on a Virgin America, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
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Airlines look into offering broadband
CNET

High-tech entertainment on the A380 superjumbo
Avionics Magazine

Web poised to conquer the air
New York Times

Airlines ponder Skype ban
Associated Press

 
Internet • airline industry • JetBlue • United Airlines • American Airlines • air travel • WiFi • Virgin America • airplane

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