Yes, you can text on a plane, if your flight has Wi-Fi, you can usually send messages through apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and other internet messaging apps.
Regular SMS texting through your phone’s cellular network generally won’t work while you’re in the air because you normally need to keep your cellular connection turned off.
In this article, you’ll know exactly how texting works on a plane, whether you can use Wi-Fi to send messages, and what you can do if your flight doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
You can text on a plane, but you generally need to use Wi-Fi rather than your phone’s cellular network.
You can usually send messages through WhatsApp, iMessage, Messenger, Telegram, and other internet-based messaging apps.
Traditional SMS texting generally won’t work because your cellular connection will be disabled in airplane mode.
You generally can’t send or receive internet messages until you reconnect to the internet.
Some airlines offer free messaging or Wi-Fi, while others require you to purchase an internet package.
Check your airline’s Wi-Fi availability and messaging options, especially if you need to stay connected.
Cellular calls generally won’t work in the air, and many airlines restrict or don’t allow Wi-Fi voice calls.
Generally, no. You can’t use your phone regular cellular connection to send texts while you’re flying.
Whether you’re using an iPhone, an Android device, or a tablet, you normally need to turn on airplane mode before or during the flight. This disables your cellular connection.
The important thing to remember is that airplane mode doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use your phone.
If your airline provides Wi-Fi and allows you to use it, you can turn Wi-Fi back on after enabling airplane mode.
So, if you’re trying to send a regular SMS text using your mobile network, it generally won’t work once your cellular connection is disabled.
If you try to send a message using an internet-based app while connected to Wi-Fi, however, that’s different.
That’s a lot more useful when you’re 30,000 feet above the ground.
The FCC and FAA have rules and guidance concerning cellular and wireless device use on aircraft. In general, cellular connections are disabled during flight, while passengers may use Wi-Fi when the aircraft provides it and the airline permits its use.
FAA WEBSITE
So, if your phone’s cellular connection is disabled, regular SMS texting won’t work in the usual way.
However, you can still send messages through apps that use an internet connection if your flight has Wi-Fi.
Can You Text On a Plane Using Airline WiFi?
Apple iPhone X
Yes. If your plane has in-flight Wi-Fi, you can usually use internet-based messaging apps while you’re in the air.
Apps such as WhatsApp (which is best for most people globally ), iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and other messaging services can work using Wi-Fi.
Normal SMS is different because traditional SMS normally uses your cellular network rather than your Wi-Fi connection.
Here’s the simple version:
What you want to do
Can you do it on a plane?
Send a regular SMS using cellular data
Generally no
Send iMessage using Wi-Fi
Yes, if Wi-Fi is available
Send WhatsApp messages
Yes, with Wi-Fi
Use Facebook Messenger
Yes, with Wi-Fi
Send Telegram messages
Yes, with Wi-Fi
Send emails
Yes, with Wi-Fi
Browse social media
Yes, with Wi-Fi
Most in-flight Wi-Fi allow you to connect your phone to the internet, although exactly what you can do depends on the airline and the Wi-Fi service.
Some airlines also offer free messaging, while others require you to purchase an internet package.
Which Messaging Apps Can You Use on a Plane?
If your flight has Wi-Fi, you may be able to use several messaging apps, including:
WhatsApp
Facebook (Meta) Messenger
Line
iMessage
TextNow
TikTok
WeChat
Telegram
QQ
Viber
Snapchat
Keep in mind that having Wi-Fi doesn’t mean every app or service will work. Some airline Wi-Fi networks restrict certain types of traffic or services.
Mobile users in the US sent roughly 2 trillion SMS or MMS messages in 2021. Now, imagine if passengers could use their phones to send texts through cellular networks while they were on an airplane. It could get pretty annoying for everyone on board. That’s one reason it’s better to use messaging apps over the plane’s Wi-Fi instead of relying on cellular service.
Fact
Can You Send Regular SMS Texts on a Plane?
Regular SMS and internet messaging aren’t the same thing.
Traditional SMS messages are normally sent through your cellular network.
When your phone is in airplane mode and the cellular connection is disabled, you generally can’t send or receive regular SMS messages through that connection.
Internet-based messaging apps work differently.
If you’re connected to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi, apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger can use the internet connection to send and receive messages.
So, if someone asks, “Can you text on a plane?”, the easiest answer is:
Yes, if you have Wi-Fi and use an internet-based messaging service. Regular cellular texting generally won’t work.
Can You Text On a Plane Without WiFi?
Usually, no.
If your phone is in airplane mode and your flight doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, you won’t have an internet connection for apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, or iMessage.
You can still write messages while offline, but they won’t actually send until you reconnect to the internet.
This is why it’s a good idea to send any important messages before boarding if you know your flight doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Can You Receive Text Messages on a Plane?
Yes, only if your flight has Wi-Fi.
For example, WhatsApp messages, iMessages, and Facebook Messenger messages can come through when you have an active internet connection.
Regular SMS messages are different.
If your phone’s cellular connection is disabled, you generally won’t receive traditional SMS messages through the cellular network until you reconnect after the flight.
Here Is an Overview of Airline WiFi Availability
According to Statista, Lufthansa offered Wi-Fi on 100% of its long-haul flights, while Delta had Wi-Fi coverage on about 78% of long-haul flights.
This means that different airlines have different Wi-Fi and messaging options, and availability can vary by aircraft and route.
Airline
Wi-Fi / Texting
American Airlines
Wi-Fi is available on many flights; the pricing can vary.
United Airlines
Wi-Fi is available on many flights, with internet access depending on the aircraft and route.
Frontier Airlines
Wi-Fi availability varies by flight.
Southwest Airlines
In-flight Wi-Fi is available on many flights, with messaging options depending on the service available.
Hawaiian Airlines
Wi-Fi availability depends on the aircraft and route.
Delta Air Lines
Wi-Fi is available on many flights, and messaging options depend on the available onboard service.
Alaska Airlines
Wi-Fi and internet-based messaging are available on supported flights.
JetBlue
Free Fly-Fi Wi-Fi is available on some flights.
Air Canada
Wi-Fi is available on selected flights and aircraft.
British Airways
Wi-Fi is available on selected flights and aircraft.
Qantas
Wi-Fi is available on many supported flights, particularly on eligible domestic services.
Some airlines allow passengers to use messaging services for free, while others require you to purchase Wi-Fi.
Because airline Wi-Fi services can change, it’s worth checking your airline’s website before your flight if staying connected is important to you.
If you can’t disconnect from the people on the ground, make sure you download the apps you need before boarding and double check whether your airline offers Wi-Fi on your flight. That way, you won’t have to figure everything out after takeoff.
Tip
What About Phone Calls?
You generally can’t make phone calls using your normal cellular network while you’re in the air.
Wi-Fi calling is also restricted or unavailable on many airlines, and some airlines do not allow voice calls onboard.
That’s understandable. Many passengers don’t also want to spend a flight listening to someone else’s phone conversation.
A quick necessary call may be possible in some circumstances, but you should always follow the airline’s rules.
Otherwise, texting is usually the easier and quieter way to stay in touch while you’re flying.
If you need to make an important call, consider making it at the airport before boarding.
A screenshot from American Airlines website
Benefits Of Airplane Mode While Traveling
Airplane mode may seem more inconvenient when you want to stay connected, but it can actually be useful while traveling.
For one thing, it can help save your phone’s battery, especially if you’re sitting in a seat without charging ports or you don’t have a personal power bank.
When you’re charging your phone, turning on airplane mode can also help it charge faster because your phone isn’t constantly searching for a cellular connection.
Airplane mode can also help you avoid unexpected roaming charges when you’re traveling internationally.
You can turn on airplane mode and then connect to Wi-Fi when it’s available. This lets you use internet services without relying on your mobile network.
What Are Your Other Options If There Is No WiFi On a Plane?
The main problem with in-flight Wi-Fi is that not every flight has it, and some airlines charge for internet access.
If your flight doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, you won’t be able to send WhatsApp, Messenger, or other messages while you’re offline.
The easiest solution is to send any important messages before boarding.
You can also download movies, music, podcasts, books, or other entertainment before you leave for the airport so you have something to do without an internet connection.
If your airline does offer Wi-Fi, check its website before your trip to see whether you need to purchase an internet package in advance or can buy it after boarding.
What you have to do is look for your airline Wi-Fi provider and check the available options on the airline’s official website.
Most airlines now have their own Wi-Fi information pages like GoGo, so it’s better to check the specific airline rather than assume that every flight has the same service.
Final Thoughts: Can You Text On a Plane?
Yes, you can text on a plane, but it depends on how you’re trying to send the message.
If your plane has Wi-Fi, then you can usually use messaging apps such as Facebook (Meta) Messenger, Apple Messages / iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, and similar services.
Normal SMS texting through your phone’s cellular network generally won’t work while your cellular connection is disabled.
The simple rule is:
Airplane mode + Wi-Fi = You can usually use internet-based messaging apps.
Airplane mode + no Wi-Fi = You generally can’t send messages until you reconnect to the internet.
Before your flight, it’s a good idea to check whether your airline offers Wi-Fi and whether messaging is free or requires a paid internet package.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Texting on a Plane
How can I text someone on a plane?
Texting someone on a plane is pretty easy if your flight has Wi-Fi. First, turn on Airplane Mode, then turn Wi-Fi back on and connect to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi network.
Can you text on an international flight?
You can text on an international flight if the aircraft has Wi-Fi that supports messaging. You can use Wi-Fi-based apps such as WhatsApp or iMessage while keeping your phone in Airplane Mode.
Can I text in Airplane Mode?
Yes, you can text in Airplane Mode, but there’s an important catch. Airplane Mode turns off your cellular connection, so regular SMS texts usually won’t work.
Can I text on a plane with an iPhone?
If you’re using an iPhone, you can use iMessage to text while flying when your plane has Wi-Fi. Just turn on Airplane Mode, turn Wi-Fi back on, and connect to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi. You can then send iMessages normally as long as you have an internet connection.
What happens if you try to text during a flight?
If your phone is in Airplane Mode and you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, normal text message generally won’t send until your cellular connection comes back.
What is full-flight texting?
Full texting generally means being able to send and receive messages during your flight using the aircraft’s Wi-Fi connection rather than a cellular network.
How much does it cost to text on a plane?
It is up to the airline and the type of Wi-Fi available on your flight. Some airlines offer free messaging, while others require you to purchase an internet package before you can send messages.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
