Google announced yesterday it is offering free wireless Internet access in 47 airports throughout the United States, now through January 15, 2010. The access will remain indefinitely in the Burbank, California and Seattle, Washington airports. In addition, the tech giant is making free Wi-Fi available on all Virgin America flights during the same time period. Google is providing the free access to travelers in collaboration with three companies—Boingo Wireless, Airport Marketing Income, and Advanced Wireless Group. Make no mistake, it’s a marketing tactic meant to boost Google’s image as new kid on the search block Bing continues to gain popularity, or at least, buzz. Still, anything that alleviates a little air travel stress is more than welcome.
As airlines’ profits have continued to decline, so has their service. Travelers now pay more fees than ever, for everything from window seats and beverages, to the privilege of traveling with even one suitcase. Customer service is practically non-existent as staff is cut and airline employees are overworked, and even more stressed about possibly losing their jobs. Meanwhile, airline CEOs continue to receive their multi-million dollar paychecks, so all is right with the world. But I digress.
The point is, air travel sucks right now. Flights are delayed and canceled a lot more often than they used to be, and people get stuck in airports for hours on end with little to do but wander around the overpriced shops and restaurants and surf the Internet—if, that is, they have Wi-Fi access, or are willing to pay yet another fee to enjoy it. Enter Google and their subsidized Wi-Fi. What better way to gain good will during the holiday season than to offer weary travelers free Internet to pass the time between flights? Those people who don’t travel with laptops can still access the networks with their smartphones, or even iPod Touches. Just don’t forget your chargers.
The free Wi-Fi is available in several large airports such as San Diego, Baltimore, and Houston, as well as a few smaller ones you might not expect like Newport News, Virginia, El Paso, Texas, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. In all, 47 airports, including Burbank and Seattle which will retain the free Wi-Fi after January 15, will be a little more accommodating during the very stressful holiday travel season.
But wait, there’s more! Google is also offering to match charitable donations made by anyone to any of the three participating charities—The Climate Savers Computing Initiative, One Economy Corporation, or Engineers Without Borders, USA. When travelers log into any of the 47 Wi-Fi networks, they will be asked if they want to donate to one of these charities. As an added incentive, the airport that receives the highest dollar amount donated per passenger by January 1, 2010, will also receive $15,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice.
And finally, to further encourage participation by those taking advantage of the free Internet access, Google is holding a Holiday Wi-Fi Photo Contest. Starting Monday, November 16, travelers will be able to submit photos of themselves using the free Wi-Fi in any of the participating airports, or on any Virgin America flight. Winning photos will be featured on Google’s contest site, and yet-to-be announced prizes will be awarded.
None of this may be enough to encourage anyone who wasn’t already planning on it to brave the crowded, crazy airports this holiday season. But for those who do, the free Internet access, the facilitated charity donations, and the potential for prizes may make the holidays just a bit brighter.
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