In-Flight Wi-Fi Causes A Free Vs. Fee Debate For Southwest

Those of you who were hoping to skirt American Airline's $25 checked baggage fee by flying Southwest Airlines instead, might want to think again – at least American Airlines has free Wi-Fi.

Although passengers may now board Southwest with two bags at no cost, the airline is putting a price on its upcoming wireless Internet feature, which the brand will begin installing in April.

Southwest can expect an added boost in sales. The US Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that popular airlines received almost $2 billion in the third quarter of 2009 from baggage, in-flight Internet, food, and drink costs, generating almost seven percent of total operating revenue.

While some Southwest customers suggested adding a universal fee onto all passengers' bills, enabling everyone to have a Wi-Fi option, spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger turned it down. "We want to give our customers the option," she said. 

One unnamed consumer thought that free is better than fee, writing on the airline's website, "Southwest is harping on with the whole 'bags fly free' campaign. Why not build on that brand with free Wi-Fi?" 

Unfortunately, for travelers on struggling airline brands, everything comes at a price – even the free stuff.