Fair readers,
You may have seen an IAG survey about in-flight connectivity running on the right side of Flight Global's new IFE&C channel. The survey is not just there for decoration. I intend to write about the results but a larger response is required for this to be worthwhile.
The survey takes about one minute to fill out (maybe even less). It is especially timely as carriers like Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines toy with pricing models for in-flight Internet. Here again is the exact link to the survey: http://survey.iag-inc.com/interview.cfm?id=126
Won't you participate? Pretty please with sugar on top?
On an aside, check out these photos from Inmarsat's recent aeronautical conference in Vancouver. They were snapped by Inmarsat head of marketing Lars Ringertz. Can you spot some familiar industry faces on the dinner cruise?
on June 22, 2009 4:25 PM | Reply
Are you on the Row 44 payroll?
I know Blogs don't have to be impartial, I'm just trying to figure out why the major Row 44 love?
on June 22, 2009 4:33 PM | Reply
Just to add to your survey.
It may make sense to add something to the 'what is it worth to you' section. I travel for business the majority of time. We use a remote access provider, similar to ipass. It would be great if the airlines supported this type of payment service as well.
Second, if a airline wants use wifi as a differentiator to attract new customers (and I mean loyal customers that pay high fares, ie business customers) they should consider a 'corporate pass' where it is included for all employees. I have the luxury of choosing my carrier (all majors and lcc's in the US and pretty much worldwide) and this would make me switch. It would even make me switch when I would have to connect rather than flying non-stop from chicago to san fran on United vs Delta via Salt Lake City. Just a thought
Kevin
on June 22, 2009 4:34 PM | Reply
I spread the love - and the not so loving stuff - around. If you check the RWG archives, I think you'll see I've painted a fair and balanced picture of the in-flight connectivity world.
on June 22, 2009 7:45 PM | Reply
I think the survey is a bit limiting...why not a 24hr option rather than pay by the year. In my company, we can claim internet connectivity expenses by the day, such as a hotel expense...not by the year! (at least not without a hassle).
I think a $2 per hour (usable...not flight hour) fee is reasonable. On a 1.5 hour flight, about 1 hour is usable since most in-flight communications services are only usable above either 10,000 or 15,000 feet, depending on the service--which excludes takeoff/climb and descent/landing stages.
It would be wonderful if a service could be offered that covers both in-flight and in-between flight/airport service...but as the sources of income feed the airline in the first option...and the airport in the second, I don't see that happening unless one of the big providers like AT&T or TMobile or one of those buys out the provider or provides billing services to make it transparent to the user.
on June 23, 2009 2:38 AM | Reply
In the first pic, is that dude tiny or are you gigantic?
on June 23, 2009 8:47 AM | Reply
Well I'm just shy of 6ft tall, and usually wear 4in heels when I'm at an event, so some folks might consider that gigantic. I prefer "very tall" myself :)
on June 23, 2009 9:57 AM | Reply
Gentlemen (& Yossarian),
No need to get nasty with regard to RWG's ability to change lightbulbs without assistance, nor deny the value she brings to accessing those hard to reach places in the cupboards. Just like the midget in picture #1, I often need a step ladder myself.
I love you Runway Girl, I only say these things in jest (and because you are really really really tall, you Amazonian she-goddess you).
And don't even get me started on why someone like you is wearing heels at all
"Stinky"
PS-Yossarian, you rodeo clown. Row44 is delivering an awesome product, however, I don't see how playing with pricing does much to help. Just the same...I'll bet money you work for United Airlines.
on June 23, 2009 10:12 AM | Reply
Hey, UA is a fine airline. There will be a Wi-Fi solution for UA, I just can't divulge which way things will go.
At least we share a common love for the RWG, the statuesqe babe who is living the posh life in a slum dog industry.
on June 23, 2009 4:24 PM | Reply
Indeed. I shall take care not to anger Mary... I'm sure we wouldn't like her when she's angry. So "very tall" it it.
on June 23, 2009 5:31 PM | Reply
In photo # 1 RWG was overheard saying-"Wonka called, you're needed back at the chocolate factory."
Just jealous
on June 23, 2009 6:22 PM | Reply
Gents,
I am said "midget" in picture 1 standing a proud 5' 8''!! ;-)
I think I'd have gotten away with it if it weren't for those darn heels!!
on June 23, 2009 6:51 PM | Reply
You can blame the heels on my mammy. She's a good, Irish Catholic who told me I looked like a "monster" when I tried on heels for the very first time at the age of 18. As you know, there is only one way for a Catholic daughter to respond - buck the system, embrace the monstrosity and wear towering heels at every occasion :) Midget 1, I think you look great!
on June 23, 2009 7:04 PM | Reply
Mary smash?
on June 24, 2009 12:59 AM | Reply
well, if u decide to change names, u can call yourself the
"tall cool one." aviation was never this attractive!
on June 24, 2009 9:15 AM | Reply
Dude, I'm 5'8 also.
Guess I'll STFU and get back to the North Pole.
RWG-The Bumble retired last year, we need you & and your 4 inch heels to place the star on the tree.
on June 24, 2009 9:26 AM | Reply
Great, now this blog has turned into "who's the tallest midget" contest between Midget #1 & Yossarian. Why not slap on some clown make up, rent some trained monkeys and play your harmonicas. Thenyou will be ready for the local carnival and really turn this into a classy deal. Just make sure you arrive in a VM Beetle, just to keep expectations aligned.
One other thing I have been meaning to ask RWG about these pictures. How did you all manage to stay calm amidst all the Somali Pirates who boarded the vessel? Pictures 4 & 5 appear especially terrifying.
on June 24, 2009 9:31 AM | Reply
Well, lookie here! It would seem we found ourselves in the midst of a "who's the tallest midget contest." Great. Just keep it classy, boys.
Seeing as the airline industry is on its 9th year of implosion, I reckon you jokers would find work at the nearest carnival, maybe doing some midget fights, or midget feats of strength, or officiating the games where you throw a baseball through a toilet seat.
What is most interesting to me is how everyone responded after the Somali Pirates hijacked the boat cruise. The guys in Picture 4 appear quite tough and ruthless, while the gangsters in Picture 5 are clearly rough and toothless.
"Stinky"
on June 24, 2009 9:38 AM | Reply
You have one serious imagination, Stinky. The cruise, the booze and the company was lovely.
on June 24, 2009 12:40 PM | Reply
So serious we were had the honour forced upon us to have to read it twice!!!