Google Backs Free Wi-Fi for Holidays on 700+ Domestic Flights

Google says the free Wi-Fi gift will reach approximately 15 million passengers on over 700 domestic flights. Internet access for Google's free Wi-Fi is powered by Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi. AirTran, Delta and Virgin America have all recently outfitted their entire domestic fleets with Gogo's service.

Gogo's Internet access relies on communication with cellular towers on the ground that are distributed throughout the continental United States. You can use your laptop or mobile device to access Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi just as you would with regular Wi-Fi on the ground. Gogo says you can expect connection speeds similar to what you'd get with mobile broadband.

In-flight Wi-Fi has its limitations, however. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls using clients such as Skype or Google Talk are forbidden, according to current regulations from the Federal Communications Commission. Gogo also says its service doesn't support video streaming full-length television episodes or movies.