Delta Air Lines which is based in Atlanta said that they would offer broadband wireless Internet access on their flights to customers by mid 2009. The carrier is partnered with Aircell “Communication Provider” to install the network on Delta’s domestic fleet of more than 330 aircraft. This is not a free service, you have to buy it for 9.95$ on flights of three hours or less, and $12.95 on longer flights.

What you need is your laptop, PDA’s or smartphones such as the iPhone 3G with Wi-Fi device enabled. After that you passengers can access personal E-mail accounts, send text messages, and surf the net. Many other carriers such as American AirLines and JetBlue Airways are going to offer the service for their customers. But Delta is going to be the first Airline to offer Wi-Fi on U.S flights.

Sources – NYT – Information Week – Arc Technica