I saw my first non-trial wifi plane yesterday.
Aug 15, 2010, 1:52 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
I spotted two(!!!) non-trial WiFi planes at PDX this morning. #457 and #458 were parked next to each other. The domes looked totally different on these two planes--more aerodynamic, kind of like a (very) mini 747 hump. They weren't the circular bubbles like the old ones have.
It's also interesting to note that I saw N644AS, Alaska's Row 44 trial plane. It still had the bubble, despite AS having selected Gogo.
It's also interesting to note that I saw N644AS, Alaska's Row 44 trial plane. It still had the bubble, despite AS having selected Gogo.
Aug 16, 2010, 4:29 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: MDW
Programs: SWA EMP (the ultimate program)
Posts: 713
Wifi planes have become much more common since I started this thread in June. The implementation is happening fairly quickly. I counted 5 planes today with wifi domes just driving down the B concourse in one instance. It won't be long before the wifi is fleet wide..
Aug 16, 2010, 5:07 pm
#19
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
Wifi planes have become much more common since I started this thread in June. The implementation is happening fairly quickly. I counted 5 planes today with wifi domes just driving down the B concourse in one instance. It won't be long before the wifi is fleet wide..
Are they still planning on sticking these on the -300s and -500s as well? A monthly fee (or even yearly fee) like Gogo would be an excellent idea.
Aug 17, 2010, 12:20 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Programs: AC SE100K, F9 100k, NK Gold, UA *S, Hyatt Glob, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 5,191
I flew LAS-MDW on an older plane with a new dome. Will update the post with tail # asap. Unfortunately asked the captain and FA where the Wifi decals were inside, and they said no wifi on the plane yet. Yes, I scaned for wifi just in case. Nothing.
I wonder why this one got installed but not turned on?
I wonder why this one got installed but not turned on?
Aug 17, 2010, 12:49 am
#22
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
I flew LAS-MDW on an older plane with a new dome. Will update the post with tail # asap. Unfortunately asked the captain and FA where the Wifi decals were inside, and they said no wifi on the plane yet. Yes, I scaned for wifi just in case. Nothing.
I wonder why this one got installed but not turned on?
I wonder why this one got installed but not turned on?
Aug 17, 2010, 3:53 pm
#24
Moderator, Southwest Airlines and Choice Privileges
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 3,036
3G smart phones access the internet via the cell phone network, and you aren't allowed to use the cell phone network while on a plane.
Wifi info page says:
Wifi info page says:
The service currently ranges from $2 to $12 for each segment of your trip—depending on the distance you are traveling and the type of device you are using to connect...
Aug 18, 2010, 1:54 am
#25
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
That's all well and good, except 3G doesn't reach 30,000+ feet above the ground.
Aug 18, 2010, 4:03 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 158
http://www.gogoinflight.com/gogo/cms/work.do
Aug 18, 2010, 11:00 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: Bonvoy LTTE/AMB, AmEx Plat, National EE, WN A-List, CLEAR+, Covid-19
Posts: 4,963
Eh? I had one that could do that 15 years ago, and the cell system is designed to be line-of-sight and it's well, cellular, and not set up to handle the tens or hundreds of cells you can reach from post-departure-check height.
Aug 19, 2010, 1:00 am
#28
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: MSP
Posts: 496
Sadly, Delta has me hooked by having nearly their whole mainline fleet configured for wifi. I was really looking forward to taking advantage of the cheap nonstop flights that WN is now offering from MSP to PHX, but DL price matched the fares. I really want to give WN the business, but I just can't pass up wifi on a 3hr flight.
Oct 4, 2010, 3:39 pm
#29
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 734
Is there a communicated WiFi conversion schedule?
Wifi planes have become much more common since I started this thread in June. The implementation is happening fairly quickly. I counted 5 planes today with wifi domes just driving down the B concourse in one instance. It won't be long before the wifi is fleet wide..