Comments on: How Do You Build an Airline? Offer Free Wi-Fi. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:08:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: ovariancancerstage http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1836350 ovariancancerstage Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:11:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1836350 It´s really fine, that we can stay always connected with the world It´s really fine, that we can stay always connected with the world

]]> By: Internet / Business / Marketing / Technology » Blog Archive » In-Flight Internet Access: Not in Australia Just Yet http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1829942 Internet / Business / Marketing / Technology » Blog Archive » In-Flight Internet Access: Not in Australia Just Yet Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:20:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1829942 [...] TechCrunch says “…it could be worth a lot more to them to offer it for free, and use it to build brand loyalty”. I agree, especially for airlines trying to win business clientele. [...] [...] TechCrunch says “…it could be worth a lot more to them to offer it for free, and use it to build brand loyalty”. I agree, especially for airlines trying to win business clientele. [...]

]]> By: Steve Conway http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1826521 Steve Conway Sun, 09 Dec 2007 12:16:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1826521 I love the idea of WIFI Internet access on planes, but dread the day when cell phones can be used on board and I have to listen to every self-important a-hole's conversations about late deliveries of two-inch toggle bolts to Scranton. I only relax on planes once they tell you to turn off the cell phones. Arg! I love the idea of WIFI Internet access on planes, but dread the day when cell phones can be used on board and I have to listen to every self-important a-hole’s conversations about late deliveries of two-inch toggle bolts to Scranton. I only relax on planes once they tell you to turn off the cell phones. Arg!

]]> By: Jonathan T http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1823501 Jonathan T Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:31:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1823501 Definitely no need to make it free. The people who love the internet connection won't really care whether it's free or not b/c it's so important to them. There probably aren't that many people out there who would be evangelizers or dedicated (loyal only to the airline) flyers based on this free/not free decision. Ultimately, it's a game theory decision -- if anyone major makes it free, then they will all have pressure to make it free. While there's still a fee, nobody seems to have "expensive internet access" and they can all benefit. As a side bonus, the non-Internet users (there are still plenty of them out there) don't feel like they're getting charged unnecessarily in the ticket price for a service they're not using. Definitely no need to make it free. The people who love the internet connection won’t really care whether it’s free or not b/c it’s so important to them. There probably aren’t that many people out there who would be evangelizers or dedicated (loyal only to the airline) flyers based on this free/not free decision. Ultimately, it’s a game theory decision — if anyone major makes it free, then they will all have pressure to make it free. While there’s still a fee, nobody seems to have “expensive internet access” and they can all benefit. As a side bonus, the non-Internet users (there are still plenty of them out there) don’t feel like they’re getting charged unnecessarily in the ticket price for a service they’re not using.

]]> By: Nhick http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1822085 Nhick Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:54:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1822085 Refs, TV's, Cell phones etc.., and now Airplanes? do you have any idea what would be the next big thing on the web? Its obvious guys, even small kids are using the internet nowadays and any amount to be collected is ok as long as the service is entertaining. Refs, TV’s, Cell phones etc.., and now Airplanes? do you have any idea what would be the next big thing on the web? Its obvious guys, even small kids are using the internet nowadays and any amount to be collected is ok as long as the service is entertaining.

]]> By: micfo.com http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1821823 micfo.com Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:48:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1821823 That good news, to get access at $10 is so cheap. That good news, to get access at $10 is so cheap.

]]> By: C.C. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1821443 C.C. Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:15:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1821443 This tickles fliers here in Asia - talking about your 'no-frills' outfits like Virgin offering wi-fi; they are a major shareholder in Air Asia, who charge disabled passengers US$5 for the brief use of a wheelchair. And that's a vast improvement! Until recently, they wouldn't carry 'wheel-ons' at all. http://airasiaannus.blogspot.com/2007/12/laughter-is-best-medicine.html The exquisite irony is that along with sponsoring Manchester United, Virgin's cut-price sister airline just signed a huge deal with Williams F1 ... he he he ... perhaps failing to notice Sir Frank Williams is in a wheelchair. CC This tickles fliers here in Asia - talking about your ‘no-frills’ outfits like Virgin offering wi-fi; they are a major shareholder in Air Asia, who charge disabled passengers US$5 for the brief use of a wheelchair. And that’s a vast improvement! Until recently, they wouldn’t carry ‘wheel-ons’ at all.

http://airasiaannus.blogspot.c.....icine.html

The exquisite irony is that along with sponsoring Manchester United, Virgin’s cut-price sister airline just signed a huge deal with Williams F1 … he he he … perhaps failing to notice Sir Frank Williams is in a wheelchair.

CC

]]> By: Fabian Schonholz http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1820766 Fabian Schonholz Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:06:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1820766 One of the middle east companies has been providing it for couple of years. I am not sure if I read it here is somewhere else. One of the middle east companies has been providing it for couple of years. I am not sure if I read it here is somewhere else.

]]> By: Spuds http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1820670 Spuds Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:37:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1820670 I look forward to being able to browse the internet on an airplane. I look forward to being able to browse the internet on an airplane.

]]> By: Dixie Flyer http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819988 Dixie Flyer Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:37:08 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819988 Of course they will charge for the access. A sizable chunk of passengers are business travelers who will just expense it as a (obviously justifiable) business need. Look at how this model works for hotels. The low-end tourist-serving motel chains offer free internet. The higher end business-oriented chains always charge. Of course they will charge for the access. A sizable chunk of passengers are business
travelers who will just expense it as a (obviously justifiable) business need.

Look at how this model works for hotels. The low-end tourist-serving motel chains offer
free internet. The higher end business-oriented chains always charge.

]]> By: gus http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819940 gus Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:23:21 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819940 Free vs non-free: $10.00 An internet connection and a power outlet vs none: priceless Free vs non-free: $10.00

An internet connection and a power outlet vs none: priceless

]]> By: Rich http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819187 Rich Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:16:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819187 I would choose an airline with a Power plug and wifi connection over any other airline 'hands down'. I would pay 10$ for airline internet access every time I fly... I spend double that on magazines and movies anyway. I would choose an airline with a Power plug and wifi connection over any other airline ‘hands down’.

I would pay 10$ for airline internet access every time I fly… I spend double that on magazines and movies anyway.

]]> By: Darren http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819058 Darren Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:46:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1819058 virgin Atlantic started off like virgin America but now it's awful unless you travel in upper. I am 6 foot plus and have a food allergy and had an awful flights to and from san fran. The staff are nice but I think they have dropped the ball recently. Anyone got any suggestions for transatlantic flying? virgin Atlantic started off like virgin America but now it’s awful unless you travel in upper. I am 6 foot plus and have a food allergy and had an awful flights to and from san fran. The staff are nice but I think they have dropped the ball recently. Anyone got any suggestions for transatlantic flying?

]]> By: gregorylent http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818866 gregorylent Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:01:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818866 are you bloody kidding??? drop a pen, you have to wait for the flight to get over before you can pick it up, no room to bend down... no room for a laptop, and then the guy in front of you puts his seat back, no room to even read a paperback.... bloody airlines might as well conk you out and stack you up, the wifi for sure is only for the front of the plane... are you bloody kidding??? drop a pen, you have to wait for the flight to get over before you can pick it up, no room to bend down… no room for a laptop, and then the guy in front of you puts his seat back, no room to even read a paperback…. bloody airlines might as well conk you out and stack you up, the wifi for sure is only for the front of the plane…

]]> By: Charles http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818826 Charles Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:50:14 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818826 Does bit torrent work on airline networks? Anyone know? It would need to be blocked, along with VOIP. I agree that nobody wants to overhear voip conferences for hours while on a plane. Does bit torrent work on airline networks? Anyone know?

It would need to be blocked, along with VOIP. I agree that nobody wants to overhear voip conferences for hours while on a plane.

]]> By: Charles http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818806 Charles Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:46:23 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818806 Hey Virgin consumer marketing people who are reading this - offer free Wifi and I will always choose Virgin for flights. And add more indie film content, especially short films, to the in flight entertainment system. [ FutureShorts.com ? ] By the way, I appreciate the Digg discount code. Hey Virgin consumer marketing people who are reading this - offer free Wifi and I will always choose Virgin for flights. And add more indie film content, especially short films, to the in flight entertainment system. [ FutureShorts.com ? ]

By the way, I appreciate the Digg discount code.

]]> By: Justin N http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818778 Justin N Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:40:27 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818778 This all sounds great - but I can barely tolerate using my laptop on a plane with a pitch of 35-36" but on this 32" pitch I would think it would be impossible. Although I am larger than the average travller (6'2" 225 lb) it seems to me that all of us sitting in United Economy Plus section (the 35-36" pitch depending on aircraft) are about the same size .... I think Virgin would do better to accommodate size/configuration issues before bothering with a dreadfully slow (EVDO) internet connection. I also agree with everyone the VOIP should be banned. This all sounds great - but I can barely tolerate using my laptop on a plane with a pitch of 35-36″ but on this 32″ pitch I would think it would be impossible. Although I am larger than the average travller (6′2″ 225 lb) it seems to me that all of us sitting in United Economy Plus section (the 35-36″ pitch depending on aircraft) are about the same size …. I think Virgin would do better to accommodate size/configuration issues before bothering with a dreadfully slow (EVDO) internet connection. I also agree with everyone the VOIP should be banned.

]]> By: Lee C. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818735 Lee C. Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:30:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818735 Net access on domestic flights will be nice, but the real value for business travelers will be the ability to access the net on intercontinental flights. I've used Connexion from SFO to Asia and back - very very nice. Believe I paid $25 for 24 hours - a deal and went on my expense report anyway. Not having power in coach is a limitation. Plane flights is where I can get some concentrated work done without people interruptions, do my expense report and submit it, IM and generally work on projects that require deep concentration. In-flight net access and noise canceling headphones make a trip to Europe or Asia bearable. Net access on domestic flights will be nice, but the real value for business travelers will be the ability to access the net on intercontinental flights. I’ve used Connexion from SFO to Asia and back - very very nice. Believe I paid $25 for 24 hours - a deal and went on my expense report anyway.

Not having power in coach is a limitation.

Plane flights is where I can get some concentrated work done without people interruptions, do my expense report and submit it, IM and generally work on projects that require deep concentration. In-flight net access and noise canceling headphones make a trip to Europe or Asia bearable.

]]> By: A Ong http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818676 A Ong Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:19:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818676 I was on a 17 hours flight from SFO to Singapore on Singapore Airlines. I was thrilled by Boeing’s Connexion (wifi) and paid about $20 for 24hrs access (cheap!). The connection was fast and I was able to surf the net and chat on ym as if it was on a broadband connection. Boeing’s Connexion failed because of 2 things: 1) As much as I would like to surf the net thru'out the flight, my laptop battery could only last at most 4 hrs. Economy seats don't come equipped with power outlet. 2) Even though business and first class seats do come with power outlet, there's no incentive for business travelers to get on the internet and check emails. Most business travelers treat their flight time as their place of solace. In a way, I'm glad that Boeing discontinued Connexion. Can you imagine all the passengers going on skype and yaking away during a 17 hours flight? I was on a 17 hours flight from SFO to Singapore on Singapore Airlines. I was thrilled by Boeing’s Connexion (wifi) and paid about $20 for 24hrs access (cheap!). The connection was fast and I was able to surf the net and chat on ym as if it was on a broadband connection.

Boeing’s Connexion failed because of 2 things:
1) As much as I would like to surf the net thru’out the flight, my laptop battery could only last at most 4 hrs. Economy seats don’t come equipped with power outlet.

2) Even though business and first class seats do come with power outlet, there’s no incentive for business travelers to get on the internet and check emails. Most business travelers treat their flight time as their place of solace.

In a way, I’m glad that Boeing discontinued Connexion. Can you imagine all the passengers going on skype and yaking away during a 17 hours flight?

]]> By: ctrl.altered.mind http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818625 ctrl.altered.mind Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:06:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818625 I wouldn't be too quick to expect broadband access on flights just yet - the slice of bandwidth that might be made available for land-to-air connections is supposedly too tiny for that - I'd be happy if email and IM worked properly, in the first round. I wouldn’t be too quick to expect broadband access on flights just yet - the slice of bandwidth that might be made available for land-to-air connections is supposedly too tiny for that - I’d be happy if email and IM worked properly, in the first round.

]]> By: Steve Ballmer http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818611 Steve Ballmer Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:03:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818611 .... watch out for guys in funny hats chanting mumbo jumbo too! http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com …. watch out for guys in funny hats chanting mumbo jumbo too!

http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com

]]> By: Larry Chiang http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818589 Larry Chiang Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:59:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818589 wait a minute> I mean I'd educate her financially and boost her FICO with duck9 and a wiki wait a minute> I mean I’d educate her financially and boost her FICO with duck9 and a wiki

]]> By: Larry Chiang http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818584 Larry Chiang Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:59:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818584 If there is a college sorority girl in the coach seat row behind me chatting (voice) it up with another college kitty, I'm gonna buy the noise cancelling headsets on-the-plane wallahh! another biz model. sell Bose noise cancelling headsets while giving away the SFO JFK tix If there is a college sorority girl in the coach seat row behind me chatting (voice) it up with another college kitty, I’m gonna buy the noise cancelling headsets on-the-plane

wallahh! another biz model. sell Bose noise cancelling headsets while giving away the SFO JFK tix

]]> By: Sneezy Melon http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818519 Sneezy Melon Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:43:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818519 Really useful for the avid blogger and the long distance traveller Really useful for the avid blogger and the long distance traveller

]]> By: Webanalyticsbook http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818498 Webanalyticsbook Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:38:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/07/how-do-you-build-an-airline-offer-free-wi-fi/#comment-1818498 Lufthansa charged only $14.99 last year (not $25) and it worked great. I cannot wait to have this service again. It was extremely convenient, especially when you can use skype and call up people if anything goes wrong (like flight delays). Lufthansa charged only $14.99 last year (not $25) and it worked great. I cannot wait to have this service again. It was extremely convenient, especially when you can use skype and call up people if anything goes wrong (like flight delays).

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