Delta Adds WiFi to Whole Fleet

From the smug first-class traveler to loud babies

(NEWSER) - There are lots of reasons to dislike getting on an airplane; herewith, Guyism points out the most annoying types of people you’ll run into as you fly the friendly skies:

• The first-class flier: Sorry, Jeff Wysaski writes to “this smug assembly of businessmen, trust fund kids and trophy wives … a little extra legroom and a warm chocolate chip cookie does not make you more important than me.”

Delta, AA among carriers who can't cover costs

(NEWSER) - As rising oil prices and sluggish demand continued to hammer the airline industry, Delta, American, and several other carriers forecast further cuts to service yesterday, reports the Wall Street Journal. Despite massive reductions in service, CEOs said at an industry meeting that they still aren't covering costs. "Earnings are going to be severely stressed until the economy changes," said Southwest's head honcho. More»

Major US carriers downgrade as hard times loom

(NEWSER) - America's major airlines are getting ready for tougher times ahead, slashing jobs and cutting back operations. As the Christian Science Monitor reports, soaring fuel prices will inevitably lead to higher ticket prices, which will lead to less passengers—which, in turn, will force airlines to hike fares again to cover flying costs. "The party's over, particularly for leisure travelers," one industry analyst said. More»

PC World takes a look at getting connected in the air

(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. More»

Alaska jet will have Wi-Fi hot spots for phones, laptops

(NEWSER) - Alaska Airlines will become the first US carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi internet access to passengers, reports AP. The airline will install the wireless service on one 737 jet next spring with a view to outfitting the entire 114-plane fleet. American Airlines announced plans for internet access on some of its Boeing 767s, using an air-to-ground system relying on cellular towers to transmit the broadband signals. More»