Eyal Yechezkell talks about the new technological advancements coming to airlines near you. Virgin Air and Southwest airlines are some among many adding wifi to all their flights.

1. Tech Emerging in the Air
As technology becomes progressively more important to
travelers, Digital Trends was prompted to survey the currently
available technology provided by airlines, as well as what is on
the horizon to be rolled out. Their findings were published in an
article for the website, in which the author ranks existing
technology on airlines. In general, there were several prevalent
trends. All airlines offer online check­in
services; Wi­Fi
is in the
process of becoming as prevalent, although it is a slower task.
Social media sites are used by all airlines, for varying
purposes. Most often, the sites are used to provide real time
news, such as delays, or to assist customers in their travel
plans. Power outlets are becoming progressively more
prevalent as well, despite the fact that they were once only
available in the more exclusive cabins. In general, airlines that
operate using only one single type of airplane are quicker to
add technology, as different applications for different machines
don’t need to be taken. This means that Jetblue, Southwest
and Virgin America were generally the flights that provided the
most tech options.
Virgin America won the title of most tech conscious airline. Every plane offers Wi­Fi,
AC and
USB power. The planes also offer video on demand, to be streamed through the seat back
monitors. Seat to seat chat is also provided, as well as a food ordering system, a map view
from Google Maps and an in­flight
social network. However, the airline does have some
shortcomings. It doesn’t offer live television, which is an increasing trend in tech­friendly
airlines.
It also doesn’t offer a mobile app or mobile boarding pass. However, since its amenities are
available across their entire fleet, Virgin America still takes the price in terms of being
tech­friendly.
Jetblue serves as the runner­up,
with the introduction of its own Wi­Fi
system in
the process of occurring. Southwest earns an honorable mention, in that it offers a fast satellite
based Wi­Fi
that allows passengers to stream video directly to their devices. However, there are
no power outlets, which inhibits how much streaming is really possible.
Generally, the article found that airlines that boast of cheap flights were unapologetic in their lack
of technology adaptations. They acknowledged that the lack of frills was how they kept their
prices low. Along similar lines, legacy airlines, such as American, Delta and United tend to fall
behind in the tech crunch. However, the article disclaimed not to count the airlines out; they run
on a variety of aircrafts and, therefore, are simply a bit slower to add the amenities.