While cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages remain a top priority of many travelers, staying connected while flying is increasing in importance.
To tap into that demand, Air France and KLM will begin testing in-flight Wi-Fi on long distance routes early in 2013. The price for this service has not been announced yet.
The airlines have said that they will be soliciting passenger feedback regarding their Wi-Fi expectations and suggestions on how to improve their Internet experience that will be used for future deployment.
During their test, Air France and KLM will offer passengers access to a broad range of data communications while in the air. There will be a specially designed in-flight website that will offer a broad range of services for free including news, TV channels devoted to airline and destination information, and a unique selection of online magazines.
This trial will commence next year on two Boeing 777-300s flown by each airline. Passengers on those planes will be able to connect to the Internet via their Wi-Fi enabled smartphones, laptops, or tablets at a fixed rate. They will also be able to use their mobile phones for sms or email, regardless of their class of travel.
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