While business people might seem like the target audience for this service, I'll bet that the younger generation will be a big user, particularly families traveling with kids. Kids are perhaps the most connected of us all, and they do not think of having internet access as an "add on" to their lives. They have never lived their short lives without it! Think about setting Junior up with the Internet for a transcon. Almost better than having the boob tube on.

I also predict that having Internet access (via WiFi or whatever connection is the latest/greatest) will become like IFE is now. We will complain about it when it is poor and complain about any airline or plane NOT having it.

(Future FT post: Damn, they changed my flight from a 787 to a 767 without WiFi. I was planning to download some movies, check some emails, do a little work. What am I to do now? I think UA should give me some compensation! ... )

Finally, is Internet access any better/different than cell phone access on planes, given the availability of VoIP services such as Skype? Perhaps it is, since it seems like the average courtesy level of laptop users is far and away above the average courtesy level of chatty cell phone talkers.