American Airlines puts WiFi into flight

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- American Airlines added broadband Internet access to 15 planes flying U.S. commercial routes Wednesday, the company said.

Using cell phones on flights is still prohibited and the use of Voice over Internet protocol services will not be allowed, the Chicago Tribune reported.

But passengers on the WiFi outfitted planes can use their laptops or smart phones to surf the Web or use email systems for a fee of $12.95 for three hours of service, the Tribune reported.

The first planes to have the service installed are 767-200 planes that generally fly coast-to-coast routes, the Tribune reported

Virgin America is planning to launch a similar service in the next six months. United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines are all testing wireless Internet services, as well, the report said.