Air Canada Adds Free Wi-Fi for Elite Travelers — Business of Loyalty

Free in-flight amenities such as meals, booze and entertainment have always been among the perks for elite frequent flyers, but until now, all passengers have been asked to pay for Wi-Fi. Air Canada wants to change that by offering free in-flight Internet to top-tier elite members in its Altitude loyalty program. The free service, which will be delivered through Gogo, won't come on an ad-hoc basis. Instead, elite passengers will be allowed to select either six or 12 months of free access among a spectrum of other awards as a year-end loyalty bonus. Air Canada and Gogo made the announcement together in a joint release last week. Passengers who fly 75,000 miles a year will be given the option for six months of free access. Top-tier elite members of the Altitude loyalty program will be offered 12 months of service. Other awards available at the top tier statuses include free elite status for a friend and extra award credits; to get the free Wi-Fi