Now that United Airlines and its technology partner, Verizon Airfone have demonstrated to the Federal Aviation Administration that Wi-Fi equipment within the cabin will not affect the aircraft’s operation, United's B757-200 aircraft will begin offering in-flight Internet service on its domestic flights as early as next year.

On Thursday, United Airlines became the first U.S. carrier to win federal approval for wireless Internet service on its aircraft.

The approval currently applies only to United's B757-200 aircraft. This was the model used to test the technology.

United has yet to demonstrate the technology's safety on each model in its fleet.

United joins Lufthansa, Singapore Air and other airlines currently offering Wi-Fi connections on board their aircraft.

Dennis Cary, United's senior vice president of marketing, said:

Our research shows that connecting to the Internet is customers' most preferred form of communication to the ground, and this certification is a crucial step to bring this in-flight wireless access to our customers.

Bill Pallone, president of Verizon Airfone, said:

Our wireless broadband system will require only the addition of an avionics box, a wireless access point and a directional antenna, making it the faster and more affordable choice for United and its passengers.

Beginning next year, if you fly the friendly skies of United and want to log-on to the Internet you may be charged $29.95 on a flight that is six hours or more.

United is still working on trying to figure out the fee structure for their service.

Most of the non-U.S. carriers that offer Wi-Fi work with Connexion by Boeing, a satellite-based service. They offer a pay-as-you-go option. Longer flights cost $29.95. Shorter flights are less expensive.

It will take about a year before passengers will be able to log onto the Web from their airplane seat.

Now, we'll just have to make sure I have enough battery power inside our laptops.

Congratulations United and Verizon.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "Wi-Fi-While-Fly" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC