More Free Wi-Fi, This Time at the Airport

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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It seems free wireless Internet is this year’s Tickle Me Elmo, at least within the travel sector. Delta and Virgin America have already announced offers of free Wi-Fi on their planes (Virgin America’s promo begins today and lasts into January, while Delta’s is good around Thanksgiving), and now Google is getting in on the act. But instead of powering wireless access while you’re in the air, Google will be helping you pass the time while you’re on the ground.

Between now and January 15, The online megacompany (is there even a word to describe what Google is? “Gigantocorporation”?) will provide free wireless access at 47 airports around the country. Here they are:

Austin, Baltimore, Billings, Boston, Bozeman, Buffalo, Burbank, Central Wisconsin, Charlotte, Des Moines, El Paso, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers/SW, Greensboro, Houston, Houston Bush, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kalamazoo, Las Vegas, Louisville, Madison, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Monterey, Nashville, Newport News, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Panama City, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, South Bend, Spokane, St. Louis, State College, Toledo, Traverse City, West Palm Beach

Google’s offer should make those inevitable airport delays a little more palatable, huh?

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