Hey travelers, how important is free WiFi?

Add comment October 30th, 2007

Chicago/Rockford International Airport was mentioned positively in a recent article about airports with free WiFi. Those flying to Las Vegas can get free WiFi on both ends of the trip.

Many airports, and most hotels I’ve been at, charge for WiFi. (Note - if you find “free” WiFi at O’Hare, beware. It’s a trap.

One travel blogger said:

“Some airports and airlines and hotels see charging for WiFi as an easy way to make money, but so is poking people in the eye and stealing their pocketbook. You might make some small change in the short run, but what goes around comes around. People don’t like being gouged and they’re going to go somewhere else.”

What do you think? Is free WiFi important to the business traveler? Is it a trend that’s going to continue?

United Airlines to cut back on domestic service?

Add comment October 24th, 2007

This is worth monitoring as Chicago/Rockford International Airport hopes to get United to expand service to Denver and add service to an East Coast city like Washington, D.C. For now, the airport’s future growth may rest with smaller up-and-coming airlines.

This is a good time to introduce my favorite transportation blog - Today in the Sky by USA TODAY’s Ben Mutzabaugh. He has a good handle on the worldwide passenger airline industry, and is a fun writer to boot.