Wired sky: which airlines offer the most WiFi?

High-tech takeoff: All of Delta’s mainline aircraft have WiFi. Credit: Cubbie Vegas.

By Mark Chesnut

Not everyone wants to stay connected when they’re in the air. But for those who do want to surf the Web while flying, the highly inconsistent connectivity offered today can be a bit frustrating. To help you sort out who offers what and when, here’s a roundup of the latest onboard WiFi offerings.

AirTran Airways: WiFi is available aboard every AirTran flight.

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers Gogo Inflight Internet on almost all of its Boeing 737 aircraft (including –400, -700, -800 and –900 series) operating within the Lower 48 United States and specific areas in Alaska.

American Airlines: Wi-Fi is available on board all of American’s Boeing 767-200 aircraft, and some MD80 and 737 aircraft.

Delta Air Lines:Seventy-five percent of Delta’s total fleet now has WiFi, with 100% of the “mainline” aircraft and 20% of the company’s two-class regional jets equipped.

Southwest Airlines: Currently in the process of equipping its fleet with WiFi access, this carrier has placed “Southwest Airlines Hotspot” stickers on planes with WiFi; the company is offering a special introductory rate of $5 to connect.

United/Continental: Gogo WiFi is available on all “p.s. premium service” transcontinental flights, between New York/JFK and both Los Angeles and San Francisco. The company plans to roll out WiFi on more flights in 2012.

US Airways: Gogo WiFi is available on the carrier’s Airbus A321 aircraft.

Virgin America: This San Francisco-based carrier offers WiFi on every flight.

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Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America. Personally, he’d rather watch an in-flight movie.

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