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APH compares airlines allowing onboard mobile phone and internet access

The research compares the major airlines allowing the use of mobile phones and internet access during a flight, as well as connectivity, on-board technology and power ports available to passengers.

A recent survey by Skyscanner reported that 86% of travellers are against the use of mobile phones on planes, saying no to the ‘Dial High Club’. With several airlines already allowing mobile phone calls during their flights, Airport Parking and Hotels has compared the in-flight mobile, laptop and electronic device options available to passengers across 13 major airlines.

All airlines were found to allow passengers to use mobiles, laptops and electronic devices while the aircraft is stationary with the entry door open, however during take-off and landing all devices must be switched off and stowed away. With regards to using mobile phones during the flight, most airlines ask passengers to switch to flight mode and do not allow phones calls to be made, however this is not the case with all airlines. If passengers are flying with Air New Zealand on the A320 aircraft, Emirates on the A380 aircraft, Etihad on the A320 and A330 – A300 aircraft or with Virgin Atlantic on the A330 aircraft then customers can make phone calls, send SMS and MMS texts as well as email during the flight.

Most airlines offer in-flight phones to passengers, however travellers should be careful when making international calls as the costs can vary with Lufthansa charging £6 per minute, Qantas charging £7 per minute and KLM charging £8 per minute.

All of the researched airlines supply in-flight power, to enable passengers to keep their devices charged or to connect to the in-flight entertainment system. Aircraft are gradually moving from a DC based power supply to an AC based supply with all AC based power ports typically 110V, which generally accept Australian, European, Japanese and USA plugs. Customers using UK plugs will need to use an adaptor, which is often supplied by the airline.

When comparing internet access, 11 of the 13 airlines offer in-flight WiFi except for KLM and Swiss Air who are the only airlines from this survey not yet supporting WiFi onboard their aircraft. However, both airlines are looking to introduce this in the early part of 2013.

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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