Delta has announced that effective 10/1 you will be able to communicate via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger free of charge on all Gogo enabled flights. Unfortunately they will limit the free messages to text only, apparently images and video will be blocked.
Of course T-Mobile customers already get unlimited texting, picture messaging, and an hour of free GoGo wifi every flight.
I have Verizon (hard to beat $30/month for unlimited everything on a great network), but I’ve always been able to just type in my grandparents’ T-Mobile phone numbers to unlock free WiFi. And that’s besides for the 10 annual Gogo passes that I get annually with my AMEX Business Platinum card.
When I’m traveling with my family I use my laptop’s Mobile Hotspot functionality to share one WiFi purchase among everyone’s phones and tablets. I used to use My WiFi Router on my Windows 7 Sony Vaio Z laptop, but my Lenovo X1 OLED Yoga 2nd gen Windows 10 laptop has Mobile Hotspot functionality built-in.
Of course it’s hard to beat JetBlue and their free WiFi! Too bad more airlines haven’t yet followed their lead…
What do you use for in-flight Wi-Fi?
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34 Comments On "Delta Will Offer Free In-Flight Messaging; My In-Flight WiFi “Hacks”"
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Totally read this as free “massaging” first. I guess messaging is ok too
Heh, one day!
Though probably on Emirates and not Delta.
That’s hilarious, I did too! I was thinking to myself, “Wow, Delta is really entering uncharted territory with this one…”
The Amex lounge in MIA offers free 15 minute facial massage!
does gogo wifi work internationally?
yes
Great more bing-bong all flight long. Like being in a waiting room for 10 hours.
I’m currently on flight to Israel with Turkish. I paid for WiFi.
Mazel tov and be safe
Do you know if this will work on regional flights on Gogo equipped planes, or just mainline service?
Should work on both.
I’m a T-Mobile customer, FYI last time I flew Delta to TLV the wifi access worked the entire flight, I was not cut off after the hour was up.
Nice!
Good to know for the future.
You prob had T-Mobile plus…free all day not just one hour
I’ve personally found that many times access to Google sites haven’t been blocked, perhaps because they are needed for Gogo services. Regardless, I was able to use Google voice, mail, and other essential services for free.
Life hack:
For all those who use T-Mobile free internet, when flying on Air Canada, the T-Mobile option doesn’t show up.
I therefore have saved in my browser the direct link to that option, so I can access from T-Mobile internet on Gogo, even when it’s hidden.
Nice!
What’s the link?
http://airborne.gogoinflight.com/gbp/tmoValidate.do&usg=AFQjCNEjByCX-YTsMYQm0XRSOjwYjVljJQ
(Probably the “&usg=AF…..” is useless)
Or maybe this one:
http://airborne.gogoinflight.com/gbp/tmoLup.do&usg=AFQjCNGc0uQotapPm6mlyXRh2aPuHvPA9g
Update: I just took an AC flight. The links didn’t work, but Google did!
I just use someone else’s T-Mobile number I’m surprised they don’t ask for a confirmation or something:|
Yup 🙂
Unfortunately, that may be considered according to Halacha as stealing! Think about it on Yom Kippur!
For entering my grandparents phone number when it prompts for a T-Mobile number? OK then.
Dan, how do you like your Lenova Lap top? Currently looking for a new laptop.
Thanks!
Love it!
Why don’t you do Mac?
This is already offered for free on Virgin America flights. I was able to send iMessages, whatsapp, and even open my gmail app and use without issue!
I have a friends T-Mobile number on hand. If I’ll need more than an hour of WiFi, I’ll use a Plat pass instead.
This works really well for sharing WiFi with all of your devices: https://smile.amazon.com/HooToo-Wireless-Streaming-Hotspot-TripMate/dp/B072KKMG6T/?tag=cl03f-20&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Just flew today on UA TLV-EWR, Hangouts worked with no issue.
you used gogo on UA?
Actually, their (as well as other airline’s) in-flight Whatsapp message service is very unreliable. Most messages don’t go through.
Currently using friends tmobile number
anyone know how to get more than an hour of wifi?