Virgin Atlantic (VS) says yes to mobiles

[markis10]

FOR some high-flyers it's a rare haven to escape the demanding ring of the mobile phone and the unwanted chatter of fellow passengers. But for those who can’t stand being disconnected on a long-haul flight, Virgin Atlantic has rejected howls of protest to let you use your mobile in the air.

The move comes despite other airlines - including Lufthansa and Qatar Airways – quickly dropping the service after being swamped by passenger complaints, and research from Qantas scotching the idea.

From today, passengers on Virgin Atlantic’s new Airbus A330 jet flying the London to New York route will be allowed to make calls, send and receive text messages, as well as accessing emails and using a basic internet access via GPRS.

Read more: PLANE ANNOYING: Virgin permits mobile calls on flights | News.com.au
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[seanpodge]

Not sure I'd be a fan of this either. SMSs would be fine, but I'm not sure if just voice call functions can be filtered out and being stuck next to someone yapping away for hours would be less than pleasant, I think. If airlines could provide an area for phone calls, it might work out OK.

 

[elbarto]

Not sure I'd be a fan of this either. SMSs would be fine, but I'm not sure if just voice call functions can be filtered out and being stuck next to someone yapping away for hours would be less than pleasant, I think. If airlines could provide an area for phone calls, it might work out OK.

BA block calls on their LCY-JFK service as the A318s that fly it have a similar system installed. You can sms and use internet etc. I remember posting pics of my lunch mid-flight. But interestingly, it appears that the VS system can only handle 10 calls at any time.

 

[Blackadder]

Wonder how many times some teen girl can use like, or oh my god on a long haul flight.

 

[samh004]

I think it would make sense on services similar to the Concorde, such as with predominantly business flyers who are constantly working and even a supersonic flight isn’t fast enough. But not on a flight with leisure travellers.

You’d also hope services were cut past a certain time at night and before a certain time in the morning, working with the time zones but not disturbing others.

Then again, why not just replace the inflight bar on 'business' flights with a few sit down (with seat belts) phone booths. Pax can make their call and not be overheard, and can stay there during turbulence, but if they want a meal or a drink, time to head back to their seat. Lets see which airline steals my idea first.

 

[VHOEJ]

Not a fan - yes allow SMS and internet connectivity but the phone calls, no thank you.

If something is that urgent that you need to be on the phone, don't board. Take a later flight.

 

[Simo]

I would like to be able to use the service but would like calls limited to 3 mins and say 20 text messages per hour

 

[infinity]

We have wonderful Sat phones in most seats and classes right now for long haul
The best form of prevention is price!

They are too expensive to use

Price a cell phone at those levels and you'll get as much uptake as Sat phones

Still I have used Skype video call with headsets on on an Air Tran internal flight in USA recently

That was more fun

 

[Justchecking]

I suspect, 20 facebook updates and $700 later most people won't be bothering to use the service.

 

[infinity]

I suspect, 20 facebook updates and $700 later most people won't be bothering to use the service.

Only cost usd 15 for 3 hours. Not data limit

Good value I thought