Greetings from 34,000 feet

[realjd]

I'm currently sitting on an ATL-SAN flight, posting from the air. As often as I fly, I'm still amazed by the fact that I can surf the internet from the air. And to make it better, my FC upgrade cleared!

Unfortunately, DL did an equipment swap and this ancient plane doesn't have power (or PTV) so I'm at the mercy of my laptop battery. I'll be lucky if it lasts more than an hour.

[mightyace]

^^^

What, if anything, is the charge for this service?

[realjd]

Around $12 for a 24 hour pass, less for single flight passes depending on the length of the flight. The provider is Gogo Inflight Internet. I usually don't bother on short flights; on a 5 hour flight like the ATL-SAN one I'm on now, it's worth the money IMO.

On occasion you can get promo codes for free access, or watch an ad when you connect for free access. Google usually sponsors free access during the holidays.

[agentsteel53]

free first class upgrade?  if so, not bad!

[realjd]

I do enjoy the upgrades to first! It's a sign that I fly way, way too often though. Delta Medallion status does have it's perks, but I'm away from home and my wife more than I'd like.

At least San Diego (Carlsbad specifically where I'll be) is a cool city. I've traveled to worse...

[agentsteel53]

I haven't gotten a free upgrade to first in years... then again, I don't belong to any perks clubs.

[realjd]

I will admit I'm a points/miles whore. I fly Delta 60-70k miles per year which is enough for Gold Medallion. I tend to upgrade around 60% of my flights.

I also have status with Hilton and National Car Rental. It's sad but I'll usually pay more (but not too much) to book with one of my preferred companies because of the perks. Of course when I'm traveling on business like this trip my company pays so I get to be a bit more picky.

[formulanone]

Just a heads up that GoGo is free throughout August on all Wi-Fi available Delta flights, in all classes. Had some fun with that the other day...

Of course, it doesn't stop the nosy person sitting next to you from having a look...

[SSOWorld]

How's the weather up there?

[Jim]

I also had my first experience with airborne wireless yesterday on a Southwest flight from FLL to ALB.  They're doing a $5 introductory deal for a day pass.  The connection was reasonably fast and very reliable.  An ssh session stayed open and functional throughout the flight, and my browsing was at least as responsive as your average public wireless hotspot.  Not sure what they intend for pricing down the road, but it does appear that frequent fliers will be free.  I didn't have any specific need for it, but it was fun to do and I actually accomplished some things I couldn't have otherwise and I easily got $5 worth of enjoyment and productivity.  It helped that my Mac Book Pro's battery is still in good shape and lasted the whole 3-hour flight even though I was using it for a good hour on the ride across Alligator Alley to the airport.  The main down side is that I would have gotten some other real work done in the air if I didn't have the distractions of email and everything else.  If I get a wifi enabled plane on my return to FLL this weekend, I am pretty sure I'll spend the $5 again.