Three biggest U.S. airlines to offer internet service on international flights

The three biggest American airlines have announced that Internet service will soon be available on international flights. United, Delta, and American Airlines have all announced that they are a few weeks away from having their first international flights with internet connection.

Passengers can already enjoy internet service while flying over the U.S., but the air-to-ground signal used by those planes does not work overseas. To make this service overseas possible, the airlines are installing satellite-based systems.

Those of you who are now looking forward to streaming Netflix or watching YouTube videos on an international flight will most likely be disappointed. While speeds on airplane Internet connections are getting faster, they are most likely only good enough for basic Web browsing and emails. However, most of the international Wi-Fi systems will have computer servers on the plane with movies and TV shows that passengers can view for a fee.

This news should bring a smile to the faces of many business travelers who will soon be able to access important business emails while traveling internationally. All three airlines will have this service within the next 2 months, with fees for this service yet to be determined.

United to Install Internet Satellites on Interntational Flights

United Airlines is set to install satellite-powered internet on long-haul international aircraft. The satellite internet is different from typical aircraft internet because it does not rely on the ground-based towers that typically provide in-flight internet access. The satellite installation is also pricier, heavier, and a longer undertaking than the standard aircraft internet installation, but United is hoping the overseas service will be alluring to international passengers.

Southwest has already made the move to satellite, but does not get a high percentage of passenger usage. United is hoping to utilize the technology to appeal to travelers facing lengthy trips.

The pricing is not yet set, but Lufthansa, one of United's partner airlines, offers internet at a rate of about $15 for one hour and $27 for 24 hours of internet access. It will be interesting to see if the move by United prompts other airlines to adopt this technology (and perhaps make it more affordable).