Some air travellers won’t have to wait to get off the plane to respond to emails or surf the web.

This week Air Canada became the first Canuck carrier to offer in-flight Internet service. The company launched its trial offer Thursday, which runs until Jan. 29, 2010.

During this test period, Internet service is only available to customers on Toronto-Los Angeles and Montreal-Los Angeles flights.

"This initial phase is intended to get our customers' feedback about this exciting new service. The ultimate rollout of our in-flight internet service will be finalized pending the outcome of the trial period as well as obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and the development of ground infrastructure in Canada to provide a domestic network," Air Canada spokeswoman Louise McKenven said in a statement.

Standard Wi-Fi equipped laptops can access the service at a cost of $9.95 per flight. The cost is $7.95 for personal electronic devices such as a Blackberry or phone.

The system is currently powered by an existing American network. Air Canada says it plans to expand the number of North American flights that can provide Internet access once a Canadian air-to-ground network is approved and established.