A discussion about the airline industry, airline employees, and all things related

The nation’s largest low cost carrier is looking to add a few frills to their line up as the carrier investigates ways to boost revenues.  Southwest Airlines (LUV) is exploring options on how to outfit some aircraft with Wi-Fi internet access.  The Wi-Fi could "allow for e-mail, of course, but also potentially provide entertainment services," chief executive Gary Kelly. 

Which could mean in-flight entertainment, possibly television, movies, or music.  

The airline hopes to begin a prototype of the technology within the next nine months. 

Jetblue, Frontier, and United are all interested in a Wi-Fi option aboard their planes. 

Southwest Airlines which just reported their 64^th consecutive profit is facing rising fuel costs as their hedging continues to run out.  Fuel hedging for the airline continues past 2010 but in a step down series. 

This is a good move.  Southwest could add these services to their aircraft and charge a minimal fee.  But the extra added equipment weighs down aircraft and could cost the airline more to operate than would be feasible.  Something the airline will have to investigate.   

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