Swiss Air Gets Classier

Just as we were gushing over the digs in the first-class cabins on Cathay Pacific, Swiss Air was readying the launch of their own redesigned lookers. The new first-class suites are being hailed for their clean lines and consideration of space for a full-size adult. Forget those dinky seat-back TV screens with Swiss, as they've introduced 23-inch flatscreens and enough space to actually stretch out and attempt to enjoy whatever third-rate movies are on offer.

When you at last tire of flipping through the Financial Times, because that's what we imagine Swiss Air passengers read, the cabin attendant will fold down your seat and make it up into a full bed with partition and soft reading light for a little guilty Sudoku indulgence. Look for the chic suites soon on Swiss Air long-haul routes operating an Airbus A330-300.

Delta's WiFi Plans Threatened
Unfortunately, it's not all hugs and kisses in the land of in-flight WiFi. Delta, one of the leaders in domestic WiFi offerings so far, is in a little bit of hot water. Aircell and Delta are the subject of a lawsuit filed by Massachusetts-based company Ambit. They claim that Delta yoinked their idea of using antennae to aid in personal-computer communication in a location like an airplane, and that they already have a patent for this concept.

Delta said in an email statement that they're looking to "vigorously defend our interests." Their partner, Aircell, declined to comment on the suit. So far, Aircell's other customers seem to be safe. Even with this news, Delta is continuing to move forward at a decent pace with its in-flight WiFi offerings.

The official Delta blog is doing a good job of detailing which planes are getting equipped and how fast the transition is going. As of this week, they've got 21 MD80s and four 757s ready to go. So far, they are averaging about five installations a week. Just look for the snazzy WiFi logo when you board the plane; then you'll be able to update your Facebook status from 30,000 feet.

United Airlines Joins "Cashless Cabin" Crowd
It looks like the only cash you'll need when heading to the airport these days is for the taxi cab there and back. And maybe a couple of bucks for one of those SmarteCartes.

United Airlines has joined the ever-increasing group of airlines who have "cashless cabins," meaning only credit cards will be accepted for on-board purchases. For folks flying United, the cashless cabin begins on March 23 for all domestic flights and flights to Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

United said it would take both cash and credit on flights around the rest of the world. The airline will continue to be cash-only on its United Express regional flights.

American Airlines and Southwest have also begun implementing cashless cabins this year. And Virgin America takes credit cards for pretty much everything via their RED in-flight entertainment system. More airlines with plastic-only policies are Alaskan, Frontier, JetBlue, and Midwest.