Google Makes Inflight Wi-Fi Free This Holiday Season

Google is offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to an estimated 15 million passengers this holiday season, the company announced on Monday. The Chrome browser team has partnered with AirTran, Delta, and Virgin America to cover the cost of Gogo in-flight internet on every domestic flight, from November 20, 2010 through January 2, 2011 — more than 700 planes in all.

This is the second year of the promotion. Last year Google covered free Wi-Fi on Virgin America flights and at more than 50 US airports. This year the deal expands to three airlines, including Delta, which operates the largest fleet of Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft in the world.

The motive is no mystery. The splash page passengers land on will promote Chrome, then the number-three browser fighting for share against Internet Explorer and Firefox. Google picks up the tab; Chrome gets 15 million captive impressions. Travelers, for once, get the better end of the bargain.

SiliconANGLE has the details on the announcement.