Happy Trails

The news for summer travelers has been grim this year.  Astronomical gas prices have some of us altering or even cancelling summer travel plans - the conversation heard all over the country is: "do we drive or fly - which one is less outrageously expensive?"  And those of us who are brave enough to step up to the plate and plan a flying vacation, we were then hit with the news that airlines are now going to start charging us up to $50 each per checked bag.

What? No more meals, dwindling legroom, and now, baggage fees?  Well, its broadband to the rescue for the airlines. American Airlines announced their plans to begin a trial of in-flight broadband service tomorrow. That's what I call a step in the right direction for the airline industry.

The first flights to test this service will be the NYC-LAX routes with plans for quick expansion to other transcontinental flights to San Francisco and Miami. Aircell LLC has been conducting test service of its technology with American Airlines for the past three months, and now they are ready to go live. On Wednesday, the service will be complimentary, but American will charge $12.95 per flight on all future flights for those of us who want to email, chat or google on our trips.

I've talked a lot on this blog about the hardcore economic benefits of broadband that come from applications like telecommuting and eMedicine. And while surfing the net in air may not be a critical application, it may be the boost customers need to enjoy their flight, as well as the boost airlines need to continue to attract customers. 
And with that, I'm off to an extended summer vacation myself. This will be my last entry on this blog. I've enjoyed chatting with many of you and having the opportunity to extol the virtues of broadband. I wish you all fast download speeds, free wireless and happy trails.