A tiered Wi-Fi service is the best option for catering to a range of travelers who are willing to pay different amounts for a corresponding level of service.
Providing tablets for passengers who didn't bring a computing device is a nice add-on service, and WestJet will make a few bucks (Canadian) out of the program.
TripAdvisor is trying to solve a pain point by offering information about Wi-Fi and roaming charges for travelers on mobile devices. It also not-so-coincidentally solves a pain point for TripAdvisor in that more travelers would get to use its apps and sites once they get connected.
With the advent of satellite-based Wi-Fi, the competitive landscape for in-flight Wi-Fi is heating up. Still, Gogo's extensive control of domestic Wi-Fi and airline fleets is a legitimate cause of competition concern.
Is the rise of Gulf carriers like an Internet bubble that will burst and reshape the trajectory of alliances, codeshares and aircraft purchasing economics? Ryanair's O'Leary is suggesting it may be, or at least that's his hope.
With in-flight connectivity and entertainment such a hot commodity, JetBlue could spin off LiveTV or sell it to monetize an asset for its shareholders.
Travelers are demanding complimentary Wi-Fi everywhere they go and hotels and airports are responding in hopes of drawing customers away from their competitors.