Nov 10, 2016, 3:30 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Can I use my cell phone or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service for voice communications or videoconferencing while inflight?
Although you are allowed to use your cell phone in airplane mode for activities such as surfing the Internet and sending email, we do not allow the use of our onboard Internet service for voice communication or videoconferencing through a cell phone, VoIP or any similar service. Voice and video calls are not permitted. By purchasing an Internet plan and accessing our service on board, you agree not to make voice or video calls, including but not limited to VoIP, in flight.
Although you are allowed to use your cell phone in airplane mode for activities such as surfing the Internet and sending email, we do not allow the use of our onboard Internet service for voice communication or videoconferencing through a cell phone, VoIP or any similar service. Voice and video calls are not permitted. By purchasing an Internet plan and accessing our service on board, you agree not to make voice or video calls, including but not limited to VoIP, in flight.
[CONSOLIDATED] United WiFi and phone calls: WiFi Calling, VOIP apps, & etc discussion
Mar 3, 2019, 3:51 am
#167
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
That being said, I would not condone such behaviour normally but this was a serious emergency given the situation. It literally came up in the last minute and there was a lot on the line if the travel plans went sideways there. IIRC my boss moved from the Polaris cabin they were seated in, to my E+ seat in order to hover over me so that when the FA inevitably came around he could calm them down and explain the situation to them. Fortunately, calmer heads prevailed and I managed to get all of that sorted.
Ever since then I've never even thought about using wifi in-flight - only reserve it for absolute emergencies and only do so if you can have someone explain to the FA what's going on whilst you are on the phone. Talking on the phone in confined spaces be it a lounge or an airplane is just a no-no from an etiquette standpoint.
Safe Travels,
James
Mar 3, 2019, 9:03 am
#168
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 67
I was just thinking of using it for extreme emergency. If I need to call back right way I will. Otherwise, I will wait until landing. I want to make sure that the voip voicemail or through google voice voicemail works while connected to united wifi.
Mar 3, 2019, 9:12 am
#169
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
-James
Mar 3, 2019, 9:13 am
#170
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
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Honestly, putting the issue of rules and etiquette aside, relying on UA wifi for anything vital or an emergency is not a good idea. The most likely probability is it will not be working at all, and if it's even on, the connection will either fail or be unreliable beyond dial-up speed.
Mar 3, 2019, 9:16 am
#171
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Honestly, putting the issue of rules and etiquette aside, relying on UA wifi for anything vital or an emergency is not a good idea. The most likely probability is it will not be working at all, and if it's even on, the connection will either fail or be unreliable beyond dial-up speed.
-James
Mar 3, 2019, 10:57 am
#172
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 67
Honestly, putting the issue of rules and etiquette aside, relying on UA wifi for anything vital or an emergency is not a good idea. The most likely probability is it will not be working at all, and if it's even on, the connection will either fail or be unreliable beyond dial-up speed.
Mar 3, 2019, 11:33 am
#173
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Mar 3, 2019, 1:46 pm
#174
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 67
I see what you mean. Lets say if WIFI is connected good to the ground. Would you say texting is more reliable than trying to communicate with VOIP via WIFI carrier or Google voice?
Mar 3, 2019, 2:16 pm
#175
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,393
About a month ago I was on a TPAC flight. An FA walked up to a pax clearly doing VOIP and said that if he didn't stop immediately, she'd get the captain to have authorities meet the plane and arrest him upon touchdown.
Mar 9, 2019, 11:34 am
#176
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
there was a travel emergency back at the office requiring me to call WS to get employees rebooked for a company retreat that was to happen the following day.
That being said, I would not condone such behaviour normally but this was a serious emergency given the situation.
That being said, I would not condone such behaviour normally but this was a serious emergency given the situation.
If that is the type of "emergency" that would justify a VOIP call, then the rule should just be removed entirely.
But it hasn't been and it won't be. If one drops dead on a flight, the world will actually manage to go on.