Tech Tuesday: How to Sky Surf

In-flight web surfing is now a reality. . . for a small admittance fee (of course). I was surprised to discover on my last flight from JFK to LAX that American Airlines was one of four carriers now offering Gogo inflight internet, on some routes.

The service works as a wireless hotspot providing internet access for email, websurfing, live news and more. Gogo works with mobile phones and laptops equipped with Wi-Fi, including BlackBerry, iPhone, and Windows Mobil. Pricing varies by flight length and device. For example, the Gogo Mobile Flight Pass for cell phones is $7.95, while the cost for laptop is $9.95 for flights shorter than 3 hours, and $12.95 for flights 3 hours or longer.

Although I didn't sample the service on my netbook or BlackBerry, it was obvious that my fellow passengers were enjoying the service. A man across the aisle viewed streaming video on his iPhone and one row up another passenger surfed the web and appeared to be logging in for email.

The Gogo website notes AirCanada will soon be joining American, Delta, United, and Virgin America in offering the service. Routes are somewhat limited at present, mostly between JFK and San Francisco or Los Angeles for American and United. Delta plans to have over 300 routes available by the end of the year, and Virgin America offers service on several routes west/east, and west/northwest.

When it comes to those extra flight charges, Gogo is less expensive than checking a bag. Travel light!