Travel & Travel Technology News.

Nov 6, 2006

Student sets up site to print fake boarding passes. A computer security doctoral student has created a Web site that prints fake boarding passes to demonstrate that terrorist would have no trouble getting around a no-fly list. The Indiana University student says he created the automated site to show the TSA does not take security seriously. Nov 3, 2006

Demand for self-service technology grows, survey says. By 2007, 72% of the world's airlines will offer online check-in services, according to technology supplier Sita. Additionally, the number of passengers who use check-in kiosks will rise to 38% next year from 27%. Some executives say the study indicates airlines will be the first business to be completely Web-enabled. Nov 2, 2006

In-flight wireless may need more measured approach. Although Boeing's Connexion in-flight Internet service drew a lot of attention when it was introduced in 2000, Boeing is terminating the service at the end of this year, writes Al Senia, editor of America's Network magazine. He says AirCell's plan for a less-expensive ground-to-air broadband system for North America starting in 2008 may prove more enduring. "This more measured approach will likely make much less of a splash than Boeing did, but perhaps the lower expectations will allow in-flight broadband to slowly gain altitude and eventually gain commercial acceptance," Senia writes. Nov 2, 2006

Air Canada

Air Canada hopes in-flight entertainment generates income. Air Canada hopes to increase revenue by offering buy-on-board, in-flight entertainment, including video games and the Internet. Offering entertainment would complement the carrier's current strategy of allowing fliers to pay for the services they want. The airline has introduced a new pricing system on its Web site that offers "a la carte options" that allow passengers to pay for specific services or save money by choosing not to use certain services. Oct 31, 2006

AirCell

AirCell yesterday received a US Federal Communications Commission frequency license that the company said will enable it "to provide exclusive broadband connectivity to US airlines and business aircraft beginning in early 2008." AirCell President and CEO Jack Blumenstein said, "Receiving this exclusive air-to-ground broadband license is a historic event in the airborne telecommunications industry. In just over a year, the flying public will have the ability to use their own Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to communicate just like they do on the ground." Nov 3, 2006

Continental Airlines

US FCC Backs Airline Wi-Fi At Logan Airport. Continental Airlines won a battle to offer high speed Internet service in its frequent flier club at Boston Logan International Airport, the US Federal Communications Commission ruled on Wednesday. Nov 3, 2006

e-Miles

Startup gives consumers air miles for watching online ads. A startup company is launching a venture that will allow consumers to earn miles on major airlines by watching advertisements online and answering follow-up questions. Mark Drusch, president of e-Miles, says says most consumers will earn 20 to 30 miles per minute of time spent with an ad. Nov 2, 2006

ViaStatm, Gulfstream

ViaStat lands pact to provide broadband equipment. Satellite hardware firm ViaStat is expected to announce a contract for broadband equipment that will go on Gulfstream jets, according to media reports. Such broadband services for corporate aircraft are gaining momentum partly because they feature lighter and less-expensive onboard equipment than comparable systems previously targeted at long-range commercial jetliners. Nov 3, 2006

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Editor: Aram Gesar, eMail: [e-mail]

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Oct 30, 2006