American Airlines introduces in-flight internet service

American Airlines becomes the first North American carrier to offer in-flight internet service, effective today. Details here. The service is only being introduced on selected (heavily travelled) routes initially. The price point ($12.95) does not appear excessive (by airline standards, considering a soggy stale ham roll with limp lettuce can cost you ten bucks if your busy travel schedule leaves you without time to stock up on an in-flight meal pre-boarding).

Hopefully other airlines (Air Canada, are you listening?) will soon introduce this feature and more flexible "unlimited use, season pass" pricing options may emerge that would be transferable across alliance partners (star and one-world). Delta is expected to be next to introduce broadband wi-fi access on its flights and to roll it out fleet wide. The internet access on commercial jet planes will prohibit making VoIP calls.