Sussex, United Kingdom (30th October 2012) – Airport Parking and Hotels, a leading UK long-stay airport parking operator and booking agency, has compared the in-flight mobile, laptop, and electronic device options available to passengers across 13 major airlines. The research is available in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website, at www.aph.com/milehighconnectivity.
A recent survey* by Skyscanner reported that 86% of travelers are against the use of mobile phones on planes, saying no to the ‘Dial High Club’.
With several airlines already allowing mobile phone calls during their flights, Airport Parking and Hotels have conducted research that compares the major airlines allowing the use of mobile phones and internet access during a flight, as well as connectivity, on-board technology, and power ports available to passengers.
All airlines were found to allow passengers to use mobiles, laptops, and electronic devices while the aircraft is stationary with the entry door open. However, during take-off and landing, all devices must be switched off and stowed away. With regards to using mobile phones during the flight, most airlines ask passengers to switch to flight mode and do not allow phone calls to be made – but this is not the case with all airlines. If passengers are flying with Air New Zealand on the A320 aircraft, Emirates on the A380 aircraft, Etihad on the A320 and A330 – A300 aircraft, or with Virgin Atlantic on the A330 aircraft, then customers can make phone calls, send SMS and MMS texts as well as email during the flight.
Most airlines offer in-flight phones to passengers, but travelers should be careful when making international calls as the costs can vary, with Lufthansa charging £6 per minute, Qantas charging £7 per minute, and KLM charging £8 per minute.
All of the researched airlines supply in-flight power, to enable passengers to keep their devices charged or to connect to the in-flight entertainment system. Aircraft are gradually moving from a DC-based power supply to an AC-based supply, with all AC-based power ports typically 110V, which generally accept Australian, European, Japanese, and USA plugs. Customers using UK plugs will need to use an adaptor, which is often supplied by the airline.
When comparing internet access, 11 of the 13 airlines offer in-flight WiFi except for KLM and Swiss Air, who are the only airlines from this survey not yet supporting WiFi onboard their aircraft. However, both airlines are looking to introduce this in the early part of 2013.
For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH), visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859 515.
*Survey completed May 2012
** Research is compiled from information available on all airport websites and is correct as of October 2012
About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH):
Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK’s award-winning long-stay airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a second year running at British Travel Awards 2011. This year APH also celebrates its 32nd year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon-balanced company and has, through the support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.
Contact:
Sarah Salford (nee Falkingham)
Senior Account Manager
Airport Parking Hotels Ltd
Snowhill, Copthorne
West Sussex, UK
Zip: RH10 3EQ
Tel: 020 8237 7979
Email: sarah@mccluskey.co.uk
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