In-flight Internet access takes off

Broadband access has taken off on a Lufthansa flight equipped with Connexion by Boeing's mobile communications service.

Flight 452 from Munich, Germany, to Los Angeles this week became the first commercial aircraft to offer travelers high-speed Internet access, the Boeing subsidiary announced. With the service, passengers can wirelessly access e-mail and the Web through a network set up on the plane. Passengers will also be able to plug their laptops into outlets at every seat, according to an airline employee. All "long haul" Lufthansa routes from Munich and Frankfurt will offer the service by 2006.

The service is available for $29.95 for unlimited access per flight or $9.95 for 30 minutes and 25 cents per minute after that. Other European and Asian carriers are expected to debut the service later this year.