Virgin America And Google Offering Free In-Flight Wi-Fi For Holiday Season

Aircell's Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi has found its way into quite a few planes, though we can safely say that finding Internet on a plane ismuch like finding a needle in an ocean. But, to be fair, findingInternet on planes when flying Virgin America is a cinch--after all,it's one of the few airlines in the world to equip every last one ofits planes with in-flight Wi-Fi.

In an effort to convince more people to make the long flights home tosee relatives and grumpy in-laws this holiday season, the airline isteaming with Google in order to deliver free Wi-Fi to all thoseonboard. You read that correctly--FREE! The low-cost, high-styleairline will be offering its Wi-Fi services gratis to passengersbetween November 10, 2009 and January 15, 2010. Even better, VA offerspower outlets at every seat (not just those in first class), so you canrest assured that your laptop will stay powered on while you surf. Man,talk about flying the friendly skies again!

"As millions of people pass through airports this holiday season inorder to celebrate with their families, we wanted to give our users agift – one that makes their travel easier and more convenient," saidMarissa Mayer, Vice President of Search Products and User Experience atGoogle. "The fundamental power of the Internet is in connecting people,and we hope that having a free WiFi connection while enroute will makehome and family seem that much closer."

A recent survey of Virgin America frequent fliers showed that guestsare using WiFi in a variety of ways and consider the ability to stayconnected a key in-flight amenity.   Top-line results from the survey*include:

• More than half of respondents said that the availability of WiFi would influence their choice of airline.
• The availability of in-flight power outlets is also a factor for many in choosing to fly with Virgin America.
• 72% agreed that VOIP should continue to be blocked to keep the cabin environment quiet.
• 53% of respondents carry a laptop on board.  Of those that connected to Gogo, 88% used a laptop.
• Email is the most popular activity while using in-flight WiFi, followed by working remotely and social media.

Although guests traveling on any of Virgin America’s over 100 dailyflights from Nov. 10, 2009 - Jan. 15, 2010, will enjoy free web accessvia their laptops or PDAs, the Gogo service is normally available for$12.95 for flights of over three hours; $9.95 for flights between 1.5and three hours; $5.95 for short haul flights of less than 1.5 hoursand handheld/PDA pricing of $7.95 for flights over 1.5 hours.