There still seems to be a ban on using modern technology like Wi-Fi on airline flights even though the old fears about it affecting aircraft navigation functions seems not to hold water at all. When will we be able to work on the Internet at 30,000 feet?

 

On some flights in the United States you already can subscribe to a service for the duration of your flight.

 

There are at least two companies vying for contracts to work with the various airlines. And the airlines themselves, like American and Delta, now seem in a rush to make it happen.

 

Initial charges for the service vary but seem quite pricey at the moment. But for business travellers in particular, the desire to keep in contact with their customers will overcome any resistance to the initial fees, which for now seem to be based on flight time in the air.

 

Air Canada announced a decision that cellphone use was not in the plans for any of its flights but an internet test would be incorporated this year on flights between Toronto and Los Angeles and Toronto and San Francisco.

 

As I see it, the demand will outstrip most airlines' capacity to invest during these turbulent financial times in the industry. Nevertheless, the service is coming.
September 19, 2009
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I am quite frustrated. My luggage was recently lost for two days and when I got it back there were damages to the bag and some of my things inside the bag. The airline acknowledged their responsibility but would not give me the actual replacement cost of the piece that was broken. What can I do about that?

 

While yours is a common complaint when damages do occur, I don't think there is much you can do.

 

Firstly, you may be lucky the airline actually acknowledged their role in the damage. Secondly, they view replacement value as the current depreciated value, which may be far from the original price you paid for the damaged article.

 

Very often, you will also need a copy of the original sales receipt to gain agreement even on what the un-depreciated value was. And once you leave the airport you will have a really hard time convincing them that the damage occurred en route.

 

Readers should make note that if they received their bag in a damaged condition, they should look inside immediately, while in the presence of the airline claims department. There are steps you can take to help ensure your bags don't get sent to the wrong destination. Get to know the airport codes for your departure and arrival destinations, as well as any connecting airport codes.

 

Make sure the label the agent prints out is accurate, and watch while they affix the tags onto your bags.

 

While often you have no choice, I really am against checking any item that is remotely breakable. Pack these items separately, pay the extra costs, and have them insured.

 

On a United Airlines flight about a year ago Canadian songwriter and performer David Carroll received his guitar significantly damaged at the carousel. After many months of unsuccessfully trying to get the airline to pay for fixing his guitar, he wrote a song and produced a video which he posted on YouTube.

 

You can see it by searching for "United Breaks Guitars."
September 19, 2009
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