Free Wi-Fi to all, and to all a good flight! Google is getting into the holiday spirit by picking up the wireless tab at airports for holiday travelers from now through January 15.
The Internet search giant announced today that it is working with various wireless service companies to provide free Wi-Fi at 47 participating airports.
Is your airport on the list? Keep reading to find out …
The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holiday rush is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that more than 100 million passengers will pass through the 47 participating airports between now and January 15.
Google said in a statement that it hopes to make the holiday travel crush easier for those who find themselves stuck in the airport because of weather or traffic delays. The company had already agreed to provide free wireless on all Virgin America flights during the same time period.
Travelers using the free service will also have the option to pay it forward by making a donation to Engineers Without Borders, the One Economy Corporation or the Climate Savers Computing Initiative. Donations are not mandatory and Google will match all contributions up to $250,000.
Click here to see a list of the 47 participating airports. There were a few conspicuous absences from the list, including JFK, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Newark Liberty Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.
This little freebie may go a long way in bringing holiday cheer in a season of congested airports and overpriced flights, but also has many travelers questioning the Scrooge-like requirements to pay for Wi-Fi during the rest of the year.
By Dan Bence for PeterGreenberg.com.
Related Links: Macworld, Computerworld, FreeHolidayWiFi.com
Peter Greenberg Links:
