Flying for any extended period of time is not something most people enjoy.  Cramped quarters and limited recreational activities often challenge even the most focused individuals.  In a era when more people than ever are spending large portions of their free time surfing the web or engaged in some form of social networking, it seems logical that demand for in-flight broadband would be high – allowing people to escape the monotony of “the middle seat” into the limitlessness of the online world.

Apparently logic hasn’t yet prevailed in this scenario.  According to a new report, fewer than 10% of travelers are purchasing in-flight broadband when available.  Currently, fewer than 1/3 of U.S. flights offer the service – typically through services like Aircell’s Gogo - although this number is expected to double by the end of 2010.

Reasons for the lack of widespread use of the service vary.  Many frequent fliers use their flights as a forced time of solace away from the constant barrage of email, text messages, and phone calls.  Others scoff at the price – up to $9.95 on flights less than 3 hours and $12.95 on longer flights.  And since airlines already charge passengers extra fees for everything other than a place to sit, its difficult for many customers to see the value offered by in-flight broadband.

[Via:  USA Today]