Airtel In-Flight Roaming Packs Offer Low-Cost Data Starting at Rs. 195

Shortly after Jio introduced its own in-flight roaming packs that drastically reduced the costs of using a smartphone while en route to foreign destinations, Airtel has begin offering the same packages at the same prices. Users can now take advantage of an in-flight cellular connection for voice and data access rather than using pricey onboard Wi-Fi, at least on a small number of airlines to begin with. Service availability might vary by route, aircraft type and operating conditions, and not all the airline partners offer all connectivity options.

Airtel has tied up with AeroMobile as its roaming partner. Three in-flight packs have been announced, each of which is valid for 24 hours. These are available to prepaid as well as postpaid subscribers. The first, priced at Rs. 195, will give users 250MB of data, while you get 500MB for Rs. 295 and there’s also the option of 1GB for Rs. 595. All three plans also give users 100MB of outgoing voice minutes and 100 SMS messages. Incoming cellular calls are not allowed, which will prevent phones from ringing and disturbing passengers mid-flight. Airtel has also added in-flight benefits for one 24 hour period to its 30-day and 365-day roaming packages. 

Initially, Airtel’s roaming service is available on 19 carriers including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Swiss, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines and smaller regional players such as Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Aer Lingus and Eva Air. Indian carriers are currently not on the list of partners, and services will not be available on domestic flights within India at present. In-flight packs will need to be activated before a passenger loses connectivity on takeoff. Data access will be cut off after the pack runs out unless a user purchases another pack. 

Users can activate a pack through the Airtel Thanks app or the operator’s website. Airtel’s FAQs remind users that use of smartphones on board aircraft is governed by each airline’s rules, and flight crew may instruct passengers to stow their devices at any time. Data speed is not specified or guaranteed, but AeroMobile generally equips aircraft with 3G equipment.