But Now Comes The Real Test -- Will They Pay For It?

Alaska Airlines announced this week initial results of its inflight Wi-Fi service trial, launched on February 26. More than 2,100 passengers logged on and used the inflight Wi-Fi service... and of those passengers who tried the service and completed a survey during or after their flight, more than 96 percent intend to use it again.

The airline notes over 78 percent of those who logged in said they were "extremely likely" or "very likely" to recommend it, and over 75 said the service was either "excellent" or "very good." Most passengers who tried the service used it for their laptop computers, though about 35 percent used it for their portable devices, such as smart phones.

Some of the most popular activities customers used the service for included checking e-mail, downloading and listening to music, watching streaming media and interacting on social networks. Many respondents noted the service allowed them to conduct business while enroute, a significant asset.

Now comes the real test, however. See, the initial trial was free... but Alaska Airlines will begin evaluating pricing models for the service this week, to establish a price point for the service.

"Our most important consideration in determining the price of Alaska Airlines Inflight Wi-Fi is providing value to our passengers," said Steve Jarvis, Alaska's vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. "The initial feedback we're getting is overwhelmingly positive. We will continue to optimize the service and listen closely to our customers to find the right price that is both competitive with other airlines and fits comfortably within our passengers' budgets."

The airline plans to set a final price for the service later this year. Passengers will be able to purchase the service using all major credit cards.

FMI: www.alaskaair.com/