Delta’s In-Flight Internet Service Ready for Takeoff

Here is some good news for travelers from the Fox Business news web site:

Delta Air Lines (DAL: 10.63, +0.13, +1.24%) said it’s launching WiFi Internet access in six planes beginning Tuesday.

The service, called Gogo Inflight Internet, will soon be available on over 300 domestic planes thanks to technology provided by Aircell, an airborne communication’s company.

“Broadband Internet access has long topped passengers’ lists of desired inflight services and now that Gogo has launched it looks like 2009 will finally be the year of Inflight Internet," said Aircell CEO Jack Blumenstein.

Access to the service will be free from Dec. 16 up until the end of the year. After the promotional period ends, it will cost $9.95 for unlimited access during flights less than three hours long and $12.95 for longer flights.

Delta said by the end of the year, 10 aircraft will have the technology. It also plans to expand the service to its recently acquired subsidiary, Northwest Airlines, by late 2009.

In the airline industry, there’s little “leg-room” for heavy equipment that takes lots of space. Thankfully, the Aircell system, according to Delta, is light and compact so passengers need not worry about having less room to stretch out while surfing the Web at 35,000 feet.