WiFi Is So Desired On Airplanes, Survey Shows Fliers Would Give Up Bathrooms And More

In-Flight WiFi is becoming so important to travelers that increasingly, most are willing to give up the few amenities that airlines still include like bathrooms.According to a new survey of adult passengers who flew on an airplane within the last three months, a surprising 61% said not having wifi on an airplane is worse than sitting in a seat that doesn't recline, like the ones in the second over-wing exit row of most airplanes.In fact, most U.S. based airlines, and many foreign airlines, have or are installing WiFi on their airplanes; JetBlue, United, Delta, Virgin America, and Southwest all have some level of WiFi on at least some of their aircraft and are planning to outfit their entire fleet within the next year or so.The survey was conducted by Honeywell, and the results show passengers are so eager to take their minds off the flying experience, they will give up some important things.13% said they would give up bathrooms.42% said they would give up snacks.32% would give up seats that recline......"It also lets me be somewhat productive", Ashton added.We wanted to know what passenger were willing to pay for the in-flight WiFi and asked another group of passengers at Newark Liberty, Houston and Los Angeles International airports, and this is what they said.21% said nothing, it should be included since they are giving up other amenities.19% said $2 dollars.23% said $3 dollars.12% said $4 dollars10% said $5 dollars7% said more than $6 dollars8% said WiFi should not be allowed on airplanes.According to the airline trade group Airlines for America, it costs an airline about $4.12 to offer WiFi during flights, meaning the majority of passengers want the airline to either take a loss or offset the cost in other areas.Passenger advocacy groups say by not carrying as much beverages, snacks and other amenities that passengers say they are willing to give up or pay a premium for, the airline will save fuel, making up some of the cost of WiFi.So naturally, we wanted to know how passengers would use WiFi during their flight, and here's what they told us.35% said fun/personal use.40% said work.15% said play on-line games.

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