Since May, Virgin America has offered Wi-Fi access on its fleet of airplanes, but for a fee. "Virgin America was the first airline to offer travelers Wi-Fi on every flight, as well as power outlets at every seat," said Abby Lunardini, corporate communications director at Virgin America.

Now the airline is giving travelers who fly with Virgin from Nov. 10 to Jan. 15 free access to its Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi service. Virgin America executives hope the free offering will generate more business by allowing passengers to have a free run at the service.

Heavily marketing its Wi-Fi service during the holidays is also a way to generate business from new passengers who want to utilize Wi-Fi in the sky.

A recent survey of Virgin America frequent fliers showed that more than half of respondents said the availability of Wi-Fi would influence their choice of airline.

Giving Back

Providing Wi-Fi service is also a way to give back to its passengers during the holiday season by enabling them to keep in touch with family via e-mail and social-networking services, complete online shopping, and use the service for other personal and business needs.

"And as two California companies known for connecting people in new ways, we thought it was a perfect fit to team up with Google to give holiday travelers the gift of staying in touch with family and friends wherever they go -- even at 35,000 feet," Lunardini said.

"As millions of people pass through airports this holiday season in order to celebrate with their families, we wanted to give our users a gift -- one that makes their travel easier and more convenient," said Marissa Mayer, vice president of search products and user experience at Google. "The fundamental power of the Internet is in connecting people, and we hope that having a free Wi-Fi connection while en route will make home and family seem that much closer."

Wi-Fi Takes Off

Virgin America said it has seen an overwhelming positive response from travelers since launching the Gogo Wi-Fi service on all its planes.

For Virgin America's long-haul routes, such as Boston to San Francisco, the airline is reporting that up to 20 to 25 percent of guests on a given flight are logging in.

While passengers traveling during the holiday promotional period get free access, users traveling before the promotion begins and after it ends will have to pay fees ranging from $5.95 to $12.95, depending on flight times.