Up until 2012-2013, phone usage was pretty much banned in air travel. Airlines require you to shut off your phone before taking off. However, technology has come a long way since then and experienced several developments in this area. The importance of staying connected has increased over time and now you can even do so, while air traveling.
If you are wondering whether it’s allowed, or even possible, to text on a flight, then keep reading this comprehensive guide. Let’s discuss some of the rules that govern texting while being on a plane!
History of Texting on a Plane
Texting on a plane was not all that common until recently when in-flight WIFI was introduced. Now passengers do not have to spend various hours on long-haul flights while being disconnected from the outside world. As long as you continue to use wifi, you can text on a plane. However, it is important to note that there are still problems with cellular network-based text messages. This means that you can not access your sms services to text and their use is still prohibited.
Before the introduction of in-flight internet access, communication efforts proved to be overly expensive and limited. Now, however, numerous major airlines have begun offering free texting services of their own. From Morse code and radios to WhatsApp texts and iMessage, the technology has come a long way.
Current In-Flight Communication
Cellular data and connection are unavailable while you are airborne so it will be impossible to send sms text messages. However, passengers can use various apps such as WhatsApp, Apple iMessage, or Facebook Messenger to stay connected while they are airborne. These services (or any other social media apps with similar functionality) can work with a wifi connection. This means that as long as your airline has one available, in-flight communication is possible.
Take a look at some of the examples below:
Airlines that offer free wifi
Numerous airlines offer free in-flight wi-fi on a plane.
- Nok Air: this airline, as you might know, is quite popular in Asia and it runs all over Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Some of their aircraft systems like Boeing 737s offer wifi services while low-cost options such as Q400 Next-gen do not have similar amenities as of yet.
- JetBlue: JetBlue, one of the most famous airlines, offers high-speed wifi to all of its passengers. If you book a flight with them, you can expect a free and fast wifi network throughout your flight. Their Fly-fi is available on every seat, making it easy for passengers to stay connected during long flights.
- Qantas: Australian-based Qantas is another airline that offers free wifi and free texting on their planes. You can have access to wifi on domestic flights and enjoy texting as well as other forms of entertainment. Flight attendants can help you with connecting but you will have to enter a few personal details.
Airlines that offer free texting
While the above-listed airlines provide free wifi access, these options allow limited free texting.
- Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines does not have free wifi but they allow passengers to text free of cost. Delta flights give you the option of sending text messages through WhatsApp, Facebook, and iMessage. However, you won’t be able to share media or send sms texts. Full wifi access will be available at a cost but texting will be free, accessible from DeltaWifi and their website portal.
- Southwest Airlines: this airline allows passengers to send free messages but their services are limited to WhatsApp and iMessage. You can still use other apps but they incur additional charges for that. Complimentary texting and wifi will be accessible on their portal.
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska airline’s “gogo internet” and “Alaska_WiFi” networks allow you to send free text messages on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage. You can send texts excluding media such as photos and videos.
Airlines that offer cost-based texting
Some of the major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines have texting options but none of them come free of charge. You are still allowed to text while being in their aircraft but you will have to purchase their wifi plans. They also have monthly and annual subscriptions for frequent fliers. Essentially, you can use wifi-based texting apps as long as you purchase in-flight internet. The flight crew will be happy to guide you.
On the contrary, other airlines like Frontier Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines do not have any options at all. This means that passengers have no way of texting, neither free nor cost-based. While there may be updates and new information in the future, their aircraft are not wifi equipped as of now.
Technical Limitations
There are some notable technical limitations that restrict in-flight communication from progressing quickly. For instance, airplane mode restrictions are in place to prevent safety risks. Electronic devices like cell phones and mobile phones have the potential to emit radio waves that can interfere with the communication system and air traffic controllers of the plane, causing catastrophes. This is the primary reason why passengers are asked to turn off cellular connections and stay in flight mode during the flight.
Other than that, there are also some limitations and potential issues regarding the Satellite-based communication system. Though they are praised for their extensive coverage, they may pose some problems during flights. Factors like signal latency due to long distances, potential for signal degradation during bad weather, limited bandwidth, susceptibility to interference, and high initial installation costs can hinder the overall operations.
However, the advancements are under process and satellite-based communication systems have a lot of potential. That along with other developments such as Li-Fi increases the chances of connectivity and better speeds for mobile devices.
Safety Concerns and Regulations
The Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations are the authorities that are primarily in charge of this area.
There have been several safety concerns regarding potential interference with the aircraft equipment, distractions, etc. however, the development has been slow and progressive. While there were some attempts to allow phone calls on a plane, the relevant authorities recognized the potential problems and put a pin in that proposal. Since mobile 5G frequencies can interfere with an aircraft’s altimeter (a device that concerns radio signals to give pilots readings regarding elevation levels), the risks are higher.
As of now, passengers in the United States can only use in-flight wifi to connect with the outside world. Facetimes, video calls, and voice calls are not permitted at all. These measures and FAA regulations are in place to ensure the maximum safety of all passengers, crewmembers, and flight attendants.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, we can say that yes, it’s certainly possible to text while on a plane. Depending on the type of airline you choose, you can have free wifi, free texting, or cost-based texting options. You can find precise details on your specific airline’s official website or community forums before booking a flight. However, most airlines offer wifi for domestic and international flights (short-haul and long-haul alike). There still may be different requirements as per phases of the flight.
We hope this article helped you understand how you can text, connect with the outside world, or respond to official messages while being on a plane. If you have any further questions or lingering doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help with possible solutions.
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