Last year, in trying to keep up with their "do no evil" mantra, Google offered free Wi-Fi to Virgin America travelers during the holiday season. This year, Google is doing it again, but this time, in the name of promoting their steadily growing web browser. They"re also one-upping themselves with how widely the service will be available. Between November 20th, 2010 and January 2nd, 2011, all AirTran, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic domestic flights will offer free Gogo Wi-Fi, courtesy of Google Chrome.
"We were excited by the response from last year’s free holiday Wi-Fi program, and thought that this would be a perfect holiday gift to help you stay connected to your loved ones as you head home. You can find out more about this partnership at www.freeholidaywifi.com. If you haven’t tried Chrome yet, remember to download the browser before you take to the skies, or try it when you’re back on the ground."
Last year, many conspiracy theorists suspected that Google was offering free Wi-Fi in order to collect sensitive data from users travelling through the country. Hopefully, this year, Google"s obvious push for users to download and use Google Chrome will satiate the imaginations of those same bloggers. By advertising their speedy browser alongside free Wi-Fi, you can rest assured that Google will pick up a few users over this busy holiday travel season.
Regardless of Google"s intentions, users are sure to enjoy their free in-flight Wi-Fi. This may even help the partner airlines get a few extra flyers as well.