Boarding Next: The Internet

(NEWSER) - Air fares as low as $13 across the Atlantic are being promised as Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-cost carrier, challenges the major players—British Airways and Virgin Atlantic—to a price war. Other budget airlines, like Southwest and JetBlue, are expected to jump into the fray, the London Times reports. 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»

Low-cost Virgin America is billionaire Branson's domestic US entry

(NEWSER) - Highlighting the difficulties of the US domestic market, inclement weather delayed today's first flight of Virgin America, the airline backed by impish British billionaire Richard Branson. The airline, which aims to provide first-class amenities at budget-friendly fares, operates from its San Francisco hub to Los Angeles and New York's JFK airport, where rain dampened Branson's parade. More»

Record full seats a boon for carriers, a nuisance for passengers

(NEWSER) - US air travel hit the economic stratosphere in July, crowding the jetliners of seven major carriers with record percentages of filled seats. American, Continental, Delta, US Airways, AirTran, and Alaska Airlines filled up nearly 90% of all seats on domestic flights, more than any month in history. More»

Bargain-basement US carriers prepare to rock the industry

(NEWSER) - Frequent fliers will soon be reminiscing about the small luxuries a $200 airline ticket bought: like free Diet Coke. A new wave of start-up airlines is selling ultra-affordable flights as low as $10. But prepare to plunk down for seat assignments, checked baggage—and even peanuts. More»