Originally Posted by bealine

I don't think on board wi-fi would be acceptable to the vast majority of our premium passengers as most business travellrs will tell you that the only time they can truly relax is on the aeroplane. Once their ipads/notebooks start chirping "you have mail" or the boss starts instant messaging to your seat, that little have of peace will disappear.

We already have a heated thread concerning "Loud Talkers in the Lounge". If and when on board wi-fi becomes an option, can you imagine trying to get some shut eye with half the cabin "Skyping" away. Aeroplanes are not big enough to have quiet zones so the only alternative is for the captain to switch the wi-fi off during the "quiet time" on an overnight flight.......then, of course, the airline could stand liable for a lawsuit if the wifi was purposely disconnected while a multi million dollar contract was on the verge of acceptance!

In fact, passenger comfort and the legal liability arguments and the need to have some pretty powerful disclaimers are probably parts of the jigsaw that prevents BA from rolling out on board wi-fi.