Airlines to distract delayed fliers with internet

WASHINGTON - Hoping to soothe delayed passengers, several airlines want to install wireless Internet access in airport terminals that will allow travelers to work, surf the Web or even watch digital movies to pass the time.

Delta Air Lines is already offering the service at its terminal in Vancouver, British Columbia, and plans to have it available by the end of next year in its main hub cities - Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas-Fort Worth.

United Airlines, which had the worst on-time performance in August among the major carriers, announced plans to start its own Internet service next year at 30 airports.

Passengers will need only a computer with the right wireless modem - the latest laptops are equipped - and a few dollars to pay for access.

Frequent fliers will be able purchase an unlimited access account for $40 to $60 a month.

David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association, a travel advocacy group, sees the move as a panacea for growing bottlenecks at America's airports.

Delta and United are partners with Aerzone, a San Francisco company backed by major electronic industry players like Nokia and Cisco, to provide wireless local area networks, or LANs, at airport lounges, gates and terminals.

American Airlines already offers wireless access in its Admirals Club lounges and is choosing a vendor for access at its gates. Its next project will be high-speed Internet access in the cabins of its jets.