I just boarded a plane and discovered that the airline now offers wireless Internet on certain flights.   What a concept!  Just think, I can check email, browse the Web and access all of my web applications.

The flight attendants announce that wireless internet access will be available once we hit 10,000 feet.  So, of course, the geek side of the brain says, “Fire up the laptop and find out what this service is all about.”  I was the first in my row to click the Configure WiFi button and connect to the wireless network.

As the page is loading, the CPA side of the brain interrupts and says, “There’s no way this is free.  How much do you think this is going to cost?”

The sign in page loads and I learn that it’s only $9.95 to connect.  “Yikes!” rants the CPA side of the brain.  A short calculation later and I realize that based upon the length of the flight this translates to a monthly cost of roughly three thousand dollars!  Double Yikes!

The geek side protests and starts to count up all of the benefits.  Once connected, I could:

1. Read incoming email and send responses in real-time
2. Watch the Red Sox game on mlb.tv
3. Search for some new music on iTunes
4. Check the status of my client’s tax return in XCM
5. Check the balance in my bank account
6. Attend a webinar

But, I wonder if people are willing to pay for in-flight wireless access?  Especially considering we now have to pay to check our bag, buy food and rent a movie.  Some of us can remember when those used to be free.
At first, I think wireless service on airplanes will enjoy the initial surge that comes with being new.  I’ll be curious to see if this new service can be successful over time.

In the end, I did not connect and instead enjoyed the peace and quiet of the plane ride.  Just think, if I am constantly connected to the web, when will I find time to sit and think, relax or write another article for The Progressive Accountant?