FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Free in-flight messaging coming (FB Messenger, Apple iMessage, WhatsApp)

Dec 30, 2023 | 10:55 am

#76

exerda

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Repooc17

Thanks for the info. Maybe I am not interpreting the feature correctly, but does free messaging mean I can text family, friends, colleagues, etc while I am in the air without paying for wifi? After activating free messaging via United inflight wifi, any attempt of sending texts on Google Messages just hang.

I do have RCS enabled, but most people I regularly text don't have it. I can try specifically texting RCS recipients next time.
Was hoping I can just text anyone like on other platforms...

If the text can be sent via wifi, then yes, it should be free using just the UA messaging wifi option. It seems that both sender and recipient must have RCS enabled though for it to work.

I usually use Facebook Messenger when in flight for exactly that reason, given Messages by Google is flaky even when trying to send/receive with my wife whose Android is also set up with RCS enabled. But she uses a different default messenger app (still has Messages by Google installed, though), so maybe that's part of the problem.

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