Wi-Fi wireless technology is very convenient due to the fact that the owner of a laptop or other device equipped with this communication module can access the Internet anywhere where there is an open access point. For some time now, the opportunity to use this technology has appeared on board the aircraft of major airlines.
In large cities, many cafes, bars, restaurants and other public institutions provide their visitors with Wi-Fi access to the network. But for air travel, this service was unavailable for a long time. Not so long ago, Internet access via Wi-Fi appeared on the aircraft of some foreign airlines, and Russian air carriers are also beginning to offer it.
One of the pioneers of the introduction of Wi-Fi for aircraft was the German airline Lufthansa, which offered this service to passengers on a Munich-Los Angeles flight back in 2004. The American airline Delta also actively supported this initiative. Currently, the ability to connect to the network via Wi-Fi is available on almost all of its aircraft. This service is paid, passengers have the opportunity to get 24-hour access for $ 12. If someone has to fly frequently, you can purchase a monthly pass for $ 34.95 or an annual pass for $ 399.95.
Other foreign carriers are also equipping their planes with Wi-Fi. In particular, you will be able to use this service on board most aircraft in European and Asian countries. The service is also paid.
As usual, Russian airlines have begun equipping their aircraft with Wi-Fi Internet access, lagging behind their foreign counterparts. The Internet on Board service was launched on some Aeroflot flights. It is planned that by the end of 2012 the company will have 13 aircrafts equipped with Wi-Fi, they will be used on international routes.
In August 2012, Transaero announced the introduction of Wi-Fi technology on two of its aircraft. True, the cost of the service is quite high - 400 rubles. ($ 12, 5) per hour of access to the network or 800 rubles. ($ 25) for using the Internet for the entire flight. For now, the service is only available on the Moscow-Vladivostok flight, but soon the Wi-Fi access equipment will be installed on other aircraft of the company.
You should find out if the plane is equipped with Wi-Fi access when buying a ticket. As a rule, connectivity is paid for on board. After the plane rises to an altitude of more than 3000 meters, the equipment turns on, the passenger gets the opportunity to search for the network. When the mobile device finds the network, an offer to pay for access will appear on the screen. This can be done using a bank card.
