Broadband … at 35,000ft

WITH AN increasing number of airlines allowing inflight broadband connection, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has put together a table comparing the rules and regulations for using electronic devices across major airlines. The research is available in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website … www.aph.com/electronicdevices

The research highlights the devices allowed on-board 20 major airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as the cost for Wi-Fi connection during the flight.

Most of the airlines researched were found to prohibit the use of walkie-talkies, mobiles, remote-control toys and wireless computer devices for the whole duration of the flight. But some airlines impose a stricter policy than others. Air Canada states that some items must be packed away in checked luggage and cannot be carried as hand luggage even if they are switched off.

The research also found that most airlines currently prohibit the use of laptops, iPads and electronic games during take-off, landing and taxiing. Delta Airlines and British Airways, however, allow passengers to use smartphones, tablets and e-readers at all times providing the device’s 'flight safe mode' is enabled before departure.

Of the 20 airlines surveyed, only eight – including Air Canada, Emirates and Lufthansa – offer in-flight wireless internet access available through purchasing an hourly, monthly or annual pass. The cost of an internet pass was found to vary greatly between airlines, with a one-hour pass costing £1.20 with Virgin Atlantic, £6.50 with Lufthansa and £7.25 with Singapore Airlines.

Go Holiday editor David Kernek writes: I’d be prepared to pay a premium for flights on which the use of smartphones, tablets – anything with a screen in it – was banned … and an even bigger premium to an airline whose planes had separate, sound-proofed sections for passengers with children under the age of 12.

  

Go Holiday news