Wake up america, i used wireless internet on a flight from london to singapore on singapore airlines years ago. i even video skyped (free) my grandson from 36000 feet above india! cost to sign on for the 10 hour or so flight was about $20

@dh7771: They probably thought it was too expensive to reasonably expense back to their company/client. They also probably had not paid "triple" economy for their business class seats - they most likely had free upgrades.

I am a frequent business traveler, and the only way I fly business class is if I use the upgrades I earn for being a frequent flier - my client would never pay for a higher class of service, nor would they likely pay $25 for internet usage just to have me accessible for 4 more hours a week. On a long flight this makes sense - but on most domestic flights, it will likely not be worth the expense, unless they prorate the service.

Usually I welcome my time in the air as blessedly free of distraction, with no phone and no new email. In-air WiFi may lessen some of that freedom - but would be nice as a backup I guess. Hopefully not too many people decide to use Skype though - I already hear too much of my fellow passengers as is.