Can you make a phone call on a plane Delta?

Jul 26, 2024

Is It Possible to Make a Phone Call on Delta Flight?

Communication in the form of phone calls is allowed when on a Delta Airlines Flight; however, there are certain restrictions. Delta has Wi-Fi on many of its airplanes that are operating in the domestic network, and this implies that passengers can be able to access their messaging services and applications. But voice calls are limited by FCC rules and regulations and more innovative VoIP.

What Free Wi-Fi Services Does Delta Airline Offer?

Delta has installed Gogo and ViaSat Wi-Fi in over 700 of its planes and has installed Wi-Fi in its aircraft. Alaska Airlines also expects that all its airplanes in the domestic fleet should offer connectivity by the end of 2023.

When onboard a Delta flight with Wi-Fi in the continental US, passengers can: When onboard a Delta flight with Wi-Fi in the continental US, passengers can:

Text in iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger
Perform email operations
On the whole, the best approach is to browse the internet and use apps.
Play selected services like Netflix or Hulu feeds.
Explore third-party calling apps such as Skype, FaceTime Audio, and WhatsApp for voice calls.

Delta allows for free basic messaging through their iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger services. For all other services, passengers have to incur a cost to enjoy Wi-Fi services.

The available Wi-Fi plans on Delta flights include:

/messaging/basicMessagin – Free
Mobile Chat: 5 USD per flight
Email and browsing: $8 per flight
Video Chat and Streaming Services: $11 and above per flight.

The Video Chat and Streaming options include a way to access streaming services as well as Skype Calls. However, it is important to note that this is allowed only to some extent, and traditional voice calls over cell networks are not permitted inflight.

Why can't voice calls be made in Inflight?

As things are now, the FCC rules state that it is prohibited to engage in inflight voice calls using cell networks on an aircraft operating above the United States territory. This ban has been in effect since the early 1990s with the fear that excessive voice calls could cause some form of interference with other important instruments in the aircraft.

The FCC had a short conversation on the possibility of removing the ban in 2013. However, it attracted public and government criticism, especially when people were worried that voice calls would disturb other passengers too much during flights. Thus, the ban is still active in 2023, and it looks like it will remain so.

Delta operates on GSM networks for Wi-Fi calling, which means that it is available only in specific countries.

Direct cell networks are prohibited from making voice calls during a flight, but Wi-Fi calling relies on the flight’s Wi-Fi to make calls instead of cell networks.

For Wi-Fi calling to work, passengers must:

This means that the smartphone being used must be compatible with Wi-Fi calling services.
Make sure they activate Wi-Fi calling on their phone settings
To log into the inflight Wi-Fi network
Currently, the main requirement for using Wi-Fi calling is to have an active cell plan that supports the feature.

When the phone is on this network, any normal phone call will be converted and handled through the Wi-Fi rather than the cell towers. This enables them to make calls, answer calls, listen to voicemails, and use other functions such as waiting for an incoming call.

Is it true that Delta Airlines restricts its passengers from making voice calls over Wi-Fi?

Neither does Delta have a provision that categorically bans passengers from using Wi-Fi Calling inflight. However, they are allowed to turn down voice calls whenever they feel that the passenger in question is being rude.

Passengers should carry headsets along with them or speak softly whenever they are making Wi-Fi calls. Do not be too chatty and do not shout loudly, as this may be obnoxious to other passengers on the bus. Comply with all the directions and regulations provided by the flight crew regarding using a phone during the flight.

Flight attendants will also sometimes announce that passengers are allowed to use voice calls for the rest of the flight, provided many passengers do not engage in extended conversations. Noncompliance with the measures could lead to a passenger being barred from flying any flight owned by Delta in the future.

Is It Possible To Make Inflight Calls on International Delta Flights?

On international flights, the service is limited based on the type of aircraft in operation and the countries that are being flown over.

Some of the aircraft used by Delta International also provide a wireless internet connection with almost similar messaging and internet surfing services. Nevertheless, these may not include Wi-Fi Calling or options like Skype calling.

However, customers need to consult Delta to know what communication services are available for their specific international flights. For the same reason, regulations in many countries also restrict cell network usage on flights, which means that callers are allowed to use only Wi-Fi-based applications.

Voice calls on international flights may also incur high roaming charges from the passenger cellphone service provider if Delta’s Wi-Fi does not allow Wi-Fi Calling.

Inflight Voice Calls As They Are Today and The Future

This is because although cell-network-based voice calls are currently supported by Delta for Wi-Fi-based voice calls, the company has not shown much enthusiasm in offering more traditional cell network options that involve calling. Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, has also quipped that he does not see that capability being added on flights shortly.

However, never say never. Today, limited inflight calling could be an option, perhaps due to increasing technology, changing public attitudes, and airlines looking for more sources of revenue.

Until then, those who wish to chat with their friends and relatives from an altitude of 35,000 feet will have to use the Internet from the airplane. This way, passengers will be able to avoid extended conversations with each other and still adhere to the airline's recommendations and instructions, thus ensuring that the flights are not disrupted. Just do not imagine it is possible to talk from the very beginning of the flight to its end without causing several unpleasant looks from the neighbors.

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