Does Wi-Fi on Airplanes Mark the end of an era?

September 8, 2010

With prohibited cell phone use and a lack of internet access, airplanes used to be the one place where we were truly forced to disconnect. Being on an airplane meant that no one could call you with last minute projects and you couldn’t be expected to respond to emails immediately. Even if for a few hours, all of your doors of communication were closed.

Southwest is about to join Delta, Virgin and American in kicking those doors open. Today they announced that they have outfitted 13 aircraft with Wi-Fi internet access and plan to add the service to more than 60 by the end of the year. Pricing has yet to be revealed, but it looks like being on an airplane will no longer be an excuse to disconnect. Be prepared to get some work done on your next flight!