In an attempt to raise revenue and improve customer service, American Airlines plans to expand Internet access to about half its fleet of aircraft over the next two years.

The company said it will install flying Wi-Fi hot spots on about 300 planes used in the continental U.S. and charge up to $12.95 for browsing the Web, sending e-mail or connecting with corporate VPN sites.

American has been testing in-flight Internet service for several months on 15 planes. "American Airlines is a very financially driven airline," said the executiveDoug Backelin. "We are especially careful in how we're spending, but this is a good strategic investment, something our customers will value."

AMR Corp.'s American is one of several U.S. carriers getting into Internet service. Delta Air Lines Inc., the world's largest airline operator, plans a quicker rollout, from about 80 planes currently to more than 300 late this year and more than 500 by the end of 2010. Both airlines will use the Gogo service from Aircell.

Prices will range from $5.95 for some redeye flights to $7.95 for using a handheld device, $9.95 for using a laptop computer on a flight up to three hours, and $12.95 for using a laptop on a longer flight.

Aircell plans to add other prices for day passes and perhaps monthly subscription rates for frequent fliers.Travelers can sign up on the ground and connect once the plane reaches 10,000 feet in altitude. They'll use their browser to connect to Aircell's Gogo portal site.

If enough passengers are online at the same time the speed of the service would degrade. Aircell Chief Executive Jack Blumenstein said that mass hasn't been reached on any trial flights.

I can speak from experience on a recent domestic flight from LA to New York that the service far exceeded my expectations. The connection was quick and the signal was never lost. However, If planning on using theisservice, plan ahead with a back up battery or the proper adaptor. Otherwise, you will only get two hours of service. There were plug ins available under the seat, but they are not standard. The outlet is similar to those used in a vehicle. Go to Best Buy to inquire on adaptors for in flight usage.