US Airways plans to offer inflight Internet early next year in deal with Aircell

US Airways plans to offer inflight Internet

TEMPE, Ariz. — US Airways says it will provide in-flight Internet service beginning early next year in a deal with provider Aircell.

The service announced Thursday will include Web browsing, instant messaging, e-mail and VPN access for purchase by passengers with laptops or other Wi-Fi devices.

Prices will range from $5.95 to $12.95, depending on the length of the flight and the type of device used by the passenger.

Aircell’s Gogo service will be installed first on US Airways’ Airbus A321 aircraft on some domestic routes.

US Airways plans eventually to let passengers check whether access will be available on their flight by looking for a Wi-Fi icon when booking on the airline’s Web site.

Several other airlines, including Delta and American, have already begun equipping some planes with Internet access using Aircell’s Gogo. Southwest is testing a system from a rival supplier.