Alaska Airlines to Afford Wi-Fi on Board

Alaska Airlines, a unit of Alaska Air Group Inc., said Wednesday it will join other airlines and offer Wi-Fi service on its flights.

The carrier said it will offer Aircell's Gogo service on all its aircraft. That is the same technology used by several other airlines.

Alaska and Aircell are currently working to install the Gogo service on a Boeing 737-800 and will begin testing to secure certification from the FAA. After certification, the airline will start outfitting its entire fleet, beginning with 737-800s serving longer routes.

The airline will charge $4.95 and up for Wi-Fi, based on length of flight and the device used.

Alaska Airlines and sister carrier Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, based in Seattle.

Several airlines already offer Wi-Fi on at least some of their flights. AirTran Airways is among a small group of carriers that offer it on all its flights.

Los Angeles Times has contributed to the report.