American Airlines, the latest airline to announce in-flight connectivity services, today announced that customers can begin testing Internet access on two flights. American Airlines said it hopes to expand service to more flights in a couple of weeks.
The service, offered in partnership with Aircell, will cost $9.95 to $12.95 depending on flight length, though the test service will be offered for free. The service will be tested first on a flight from New York to Los Angeles and on a return flight. Passengers will be able to use e-mail, IM, download video and connect to secure networks using notebooks or other wireless devices. Along with the paid service, passengers will be able to connect to American's Website, Frommer's Travel Guides and some news headlines for free.
Aircell is also working with Virgin America and JetBlue Airways to provide in-flight access solutions; JetBlue began testing e-mail, IM and some Amazon.com services aboard one of its planes in December.