Delta Air Lines is already offering the service at its terminal in Vancouver, and American Airlines has it available in its Admirals Club lounges. Hoping to soothe delayed passengers, several airlines want to install wireless Internet access in airport terminals that will allow travellers to work, surf the Web or even watch digital movies to pass the time. United Airlines, which had the worst on-time performance in August among the major carriers, announced plans to start its own Internet service next year at 30 airports. David Stempler, president of the U.S. Air Travelers Association, a travel advocacy group, sees the move as a panacea for growing bottlenecks at America's airports. Clearly, to make that time more productive, it's a tremendous benefit for passengers.
Some travellers agree with the idea.
Wireless access would be dynamite. Delta and United are partners with Aerzone, a San Francisco company backed by major electronic industry players like Nokia and Cisco, to provide wireless local area networks, or LANs, at airport lounges, gates and terminals. With a properly equipped computer, travellers will be able to connect to their office computers through the Internet, check and send e-mail or shop on the World Wide Web. For those looking for lighter fare, the wireless pipeline to the Internet is expected to be large enough to allow passengers to download a DVD movie in three minutes or watch full-screen television. The plans come at a time when relations between airlines and travellers are frayed over delays.