You can’t make a call…but now you can text, check mail and browse the internet inflight on your smartphone for less. Delta has introduced $1.95 WiFi passes for cellphones, and others are sure to follow. DETAILS
With several days to spend in Porto, Jonathan L explores several aspects of local culture
recommended by TravelGumbo
This iconic tree along The 17 Mile Drive is always a beautiful picture.
Of all the grand features of Paris’s Grands Magasins, Paul Heymont’s favorite is the stained glass dome at Printemps
DrFumblefinger shares images of a Lewis and Clark statue he spotted on the Boise State Capitol grounds.
For those who like to follow the presentation of impressive-looking plaques, or are just curious… here are some more
Of all the grand features of Paris’s Grands Magasins, Paul Heymont’s favorite is the stained glass dome at Printemps
Vienna’s largest and most famous cemetery is a mirror of social change and art
It seems to me the smart thing for all the airlines to do would be to offer free wifi for any device, any flight, any distance. Southwest has stood out from the crowd by continuing to offer a free checked bag when others haven’t and have gained loyalty as a result. May it continue. I understand that baggage fees have added a huge amount to the bottom lines but brand loyalty is worth a lot too. By giving away a $2 item and thereby correcting the notion, to a certain degree, that airlines mean to nickel and dime (or dollar) us to death would go a long way to repair that impression. Now, who’s first?
I do think currently there are some band-width limitations to the wi-fi on planes. For example, there’s not enough capability to support 200 people being on their mobile devices at any given time (remember this requires two way connectivity). So the cost may be just a barrier to limit access to the technology.
But I like the idea. Costs will come down, technology will improve bandwidth, and offering it free will be a perk that may help people favor one airline over another.
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: “…Costs will come down, technology will improve bandwidth, and offering it free will be a perk that may help people favor one airline over another.” Indeed. As we know, with airlines as with travel in general, where there’s a will there’s a way.
Actually, the new technology that we’ve reported earlier here, and which is being implemented by most carriers, vastly increases both speed and bandwidth. I suspect offering a bit of it like this will help them sell what had previously been a fairly unsatisfactory commodity…