Each device should cover 60' on center for a 30' range...without any problem... for b/g devices...it might be greater for n.

60' x 23 = 1380'

That's a mighty big plane.

"each seat row would have needed a one-pound antenna,"

?.....lol....the devices should have the complementing antenna...like any  lap top on the market.

WIFI is no big deal.

IMO...they're just trying to blow someone off.

doni