Qantas To Offer In-Flight Internet, Laptop Amenities

SlinkySausage writes "Australian international airline Qantas has just announced in-flight broadband will be available across all classes in its new fleet of A380s. Also on offer will be laptop power in economy and internet access in the seat-back entertainment system. They are retrofitting existing 747s with elements of the technology, and providing several ports for passengers with more expensive tickets: 'The USB ports will be used for "viewing of content" on the in-flight entertainment system, though Qantas wouldn't be drawn on whether that would include Divx video capability, or the ability to connect an iPod. It would also allow recharging of USB-powered devices. The Ethernet port is for laptops that don't have wireless, or for people who simply prefer an Ethernet connection over WiFi, which could potentially become congested in an aircraft if in-flight internet usage becomes popular.'"

Comments

Re:Makes me wonder

[BWJones]

Yeah, no doubt. I wish that Qantas were available for domestic travel here in the US. It might give the US carriers something to think about in terms of customer service and on-time departures.

Re:Internet access

[Anonymous Coward]

This is about time. If you are trying to accomplish work on long International flights,

In a sense it's not. Hear me out for a sec. What this is saying is that, you know what guys, the future is NOT shorter trips or flight times. THe future is extended security checks, socks-n-shoes off at some airports, and shrink-wrapped luggage before boarding. The future is extended parking at the airport tarmac, might as well make your phone calls in a phone booth shaped like an airplane kind of future, give you your infotainment and internets while waiting for your chicken-or-beef kind of future.(/looking for my flying car rant off)

Re:Overnight Flights & sleeping

[jrumney]

On the flight back, I had one a-hole nearby who thought it was good to read in the middle of the night. It would been better to go up into the galley area to read.

On my last long distance flight (a proper long distance flight with two legs lasting 15 and 13 hours respectively), they handed out eyeshades so self-righteous pricks could sleep without worrying about what their neighbour whose bodyclock might be on who knows what timezone is doing. As for going to the galley, do you really think getting in the way of the staff is better than quietly enjoying the facilities that were put there for you at your own seat?

Re:Overnight Flights & sleeping

[fbjon]

Here is my personal experience back this past winter, I did a trip between LAX and AKL (LA, CA & Auckland NZ). It was an overnite flight which takes ~12 hours. Qantas exceeds what we have got used to on domestic flights. Even though it is airline food, you get fed dinner and breakfast. As an added bonus, you get free alcohol. This is all pretty much standard operating procedure on any international long-haul flight.

Noisy moving chairs & sleeping

[Scrameustache]

I don't know this is a good idea. Right now flights between places like LA and OZ & NZ, there is not much to do except to sleep Or read or draw or play cards or chat or etc.

Some of us can't sleep in planes or trains, you know.

Leg Room

[martin1977]

Two problems with this in coach/economy:

• getting the screen far enough open to read and type at the same time
• crushed screen (and private parts) when the hulk in front decides to have a kip and reclines

Emirates are my favourite airline - great service and entertainment system.

Re:Internet access

[cute-boy]

This is about time.

Right. There is little enough space in cattle class (even with the extra leg room) without having the nerd next to you decide they are going to get the laptop out. Especially when clambering over each other to get to the toilet etc...

They should leave the internet access and the PC power supply points for business and first class, where you can operate without disturbing the person next to you. If you want to work on a flight, you (or your boss) should be prepared to pay for that.

I do a lot of long haul flights, Sydney to UK. I read books and listen to music to fill my time. I really try respect the personal space of the people around me, and I love it when the same respect is returned.

-R