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
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
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[CONSOLIDATED] United WiFi and phone calls: WiFi Calling, VOIP apps, & etc discussion
Apparently my friend is a really bad citizen - ignorance not being an excuse for breaking the law on a UA 1225. (Still currently mid flight)
He made a whatsapp call - while his phone was in airplane mode, over the onboard wifi. An FA that happened to stroll by scolded him saying he was "breaking the law!" - after which ensued an awkward silence as other passengers who couldn't realise what he was "doing wrong" are now giving him the look of some stow-away criminal.
I ask -
1. What law was he breaking?
If he wasn't breaking the law but merely a Airline policy - then,
2A. where is that policy?
2B. why say it's against the "law"
FA's may not like calls - but just because maybe UA doesn't let it, doesn't necessarily mean US Law doesn't. (Although It could be, she is correct though and my friend accidentally broke the law. In which case maybe UA should arrange some police to pick him up on landing )
Thoughts - and clarification?
#UAgetwithit
He made a whatsapp call - while his phone was in airplane mode, over the onboard wifi. An FA that happened to stroll by scolded him saying he was "breaking the law!" - after which ensued an awkward silence as other passengers who couldn't realise what he was "doing wrong" are now giving him the look of some stow-away criminal.
I ask -
1. What law was he breaking?
If he wasn't breaking the law but merely a Airline policy - then,
2A. where is that policy?
2B. why say it's against the "law"
FA's may not like calls - but just because maybe UA doesn't let it, doesn't necessarily mean US Law doesn't. (Although It could be, she is correct though and my friend accidentally broke the law. In which case maybe UA should arrange some police to pick him up on landing )
Thoughts - and clarification?
#UAgetwithit
#2
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It's possible the FA thought your friend was using a standard cell connection -- which is almost impossible during flight. Otherwise it sounds like an verzealous FA making up rules laws yet again. It's best to just comply and then ignore this kind of thing to avoid being tagged as interfering with a flight crew (a Federal crime).
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
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Posts: 91
Of course he complied. He isnt one to get all confrontational. This is about analyzing what happened and discussing this publicly. The above questions require airlines to give clear answers... its 2015..
#5
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BOS/LON/SEA
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Posts: 161
Pretty sure voice communication is against FAA regulations.
http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releas...9&newsId=15254
Edit: More here:
Edit II:
idlechill states this below:
So, it's both against FAA policy & UA policy. FA did nothing wrong - no need to chastise. All answers found pretty easily through Google.
Top Things Passengers Should Know about Expanded Use of PEDs on Airplanes:
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4. Cell phones may not be used for voice communications.
...
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4. Cell phones may not be used for voice communications.
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Edit: More here:
and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones.
idlechill states this below:
Founds this on the United site:
"If you purchase an Internet plan on board, you can surf the Internet and send emails. Please note that we do not allow the use of our onboard Internet service for voice communication or videoconferencing through a cell phone, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or any similar device or service. Voice and video calls are expressly prohibited."
http://www.united.com/web/en-us/cont...i/default.aspx
Cut and dry there for UA policy to me. Don't know about the feds.
"If you purchase an Internet plan on board, you can surf the Internet and send emails. Please note that we do not allow the use of our onboard Internet service for voice communication or videoconferencing through a cell phone, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or any similar device or service. Voice and video calls are expressly prohibited."
http://www.united.com/web/en-us/cont...i/default.aspx
Cut and dry there for UA policy to me. Don't know about the feds.
Last edited by SmokeyTheBear; Apr 29, 2015 at 9:41 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: Hertz PLAT, Mile Runner, Blue Screen.
Posts: 91
Pretty sure voice communication is against FAA regulations.
http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releas...9&newsId=15254
Edit: More here:
http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releas...9&newsId=15254
Edit: More here:
Edit: Also note it says any airborne calls using cell phones - does that mean tablets are ok? - these laws sound quite outdated...
Dont know if i disagree... but thats a side issue.
Legal or illegal is the question.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Apr 30, 2015 at 4:25 am Reason: merge
#7
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#8
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO/CDG
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Phones in the seat back probably don't qualify as Personal Electronic Devices, so my guess is those calls and connections were and still are allowed.
#9
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Founds this on the United site:
http://www.united.com/web/en-us/cont...i/default.aspx
Cut and dry there for UA policy to me. Don't know about the feds.
If you purchase an Internet plan on board, you can surf the Internet and send emails. Please note that we do not allow the use of our onboard Internet service for voice communication or videoconferencing through a cell phone, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or any similar device or service. Voice and video calls are expressly prohibited.
Cut and dry there for UA policy to me. Don't know about the feds.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Texas
Programs: UA 1K, AA Platinum, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 327
I did the same thing using another app going from Beijing to San Francisco. The flight attendant was very nice and asked if I was talking on the phone and I said no I am using united wifi and showed her the top left of my phone. She was surprised but left me alone.
I am not sure sitting on seat 1A of a 747 helped my cause and the flight attendant's attitude! But it was all ok
I am not sure sitting on seat 1A of a 747 helped my cause and the flight attendant's attitude! But it was all ok
#12
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#14
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I have on multiple occasions attended web based business meetings over United WiFi from my iPad where audio was delivered over an https connection. I didn't need to speak, but I needed to listen and observe what was being presented.
Am I violating United's policy?
Am I violating United's policy?
#15
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