In-Flight Web Access Gets Off The Ground

American Airlines says customers will be able to test in-flight Internet access on two flights beginning Wednesday, with broader service expected to begin in the next couple weeks.

Facing record high fuel prices, airlines are looking at entertainment and information services as ways to make a few more bucks per passenger. American plans to charge $9.95 to $12.95 for Internet service, depending on flight length.

The test with technology partner Aircell LLC will begin on one flight from New York's Kennedy Airport to Los Angeles and another going back to New York, said Doug Backelin, American's manager of in-flight technology. Internet service on those flights will be free, he said.

The airline will begin charging for Internet service soon on its Boeing 767-200 jets that fly from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.

Passengers will be able to use e-mail, instant messaging, download video and connect to secure networks on notebook computers or other wireless devices such as smart phones through three wireless access points on the plane, said Dave Bijur, an Aircell executive.

Bijur said the network can handle a planeload of Web surfers.

Besides the for-pay service, passengers will be able to connect free to American's Web site, Frommer's travel guides and some news headlines, Backelin said.

American won't filter sites. Backelin said attempts to filter out pornography could block legitimate Web sites.

"We already have policies and procedures to deal with inappropriate material that people bring on board, including magazines and DVDs," he said, adding it will be up to flight attendants to enforce the rules.

American is one of several companies preparing to offer Internet service in the air. Aircell is working with Virgin America.

JetBlue Airways Corp. started testing free e-mail and instant-messaging and some Amazon.com services aboard one of its planes in December.