Quick on the heels of American Airlines' reversal of its stated goal of "relying on passengers' discretion" to prevent inappropriate adult streaming aboard its fleet, other carriers have weighed in on their plans.
American and Delta are the only carriers that currently have operational onboard Internet access. Both now filter their content to prevent adult material from reaching passengers' laptops.
In-flight Internet access is, however, being adopted by several other major carriers, and each is addressing the question differently. According to an MSNBC.com article, here's how each airline will approach live online content on its jets:
- American, Delta: Both will filter "to prevent inappropriate content."
- Southwest: The low cost carrier is currently testing a Wi-Fi system and offers that they will be "filtering the Internet, much like you have a filter at work."
- Continental: Current plans call for email and messaging applications only. If Continental does expand the system to include web access, they would "look at filters."
- Air Canada: Plans to install a limited system in mid-2009 and has yet to state how they will address content issues.
- Alaska Air: The airline has a unique stance on its upcoming service. It plans on amending its service agreement with passengers that is printed on the back of its tickets. The statement will state that the service is to be used for "lawful and appropriate" use, squarely putting the responsibility on the passenger.
There is no word from any carrier or Internet access provider on exactly what will be filtered.