I can’t tell you much about other providers, but I can tell you that one of my favorite features of T-Mobile is the fact that I don’t need a new sim at MOST places I travel too. My phone works just like it does at home (sometimes slower cuz of network) and this feature is free with MOST of T-Mobiles plans. I would suggest you call to confirm though. They are also one of they only providers that offer free in flight streaming via wifi on many flights.
So let’s get more into it. T-Mobile will automatically connect you to the best service provider around you. However, if you have a preference for the country you are in, you can pick the provider you’d like to use in the settings.
Next, anything you could do over just a WiFi service, you could do in any country where you have unlimited data roaming. Even though you only get 5GB of high speed, you still get unlimited data, it’ll just be slower after that. Because you have unlimited data roaming, you can now use your phone to do just about anything expect take or make a regular phone call.
For the people with iPhones, again, anything you could do via WiFi, you can do via data. This includes FaceTime and iMessage. Green messages are okay too as text messages are also free and unlimited.
For android users, you will have to use WiFi calling or alternative apps to make phone calls when not on WiFi. Your text messages are all free.
How WiFi calling works so you don’t accidentally get charged:
Go to your phone settings, and make sure WiFi calling is on. Put your phone in airplane mode, then turn on WiFi. The only way this will work correctly is if you see “T-Mobile WiFi” displayed as your service provider.
I’ve only ever been to one country that wasn’t apart of the 215 and where data charges would be applied, so in that situation, I used an E-SIM! So I still had service the moment I landed!
But what's included with T-Mobile In-Flight?
Data and messaging are free for being a T-Mobile customer!
Data
Many T-Mobile rate plans are eligible for four full flight streaming (where available) sessions and unlimited one hour of streaming (where available) Wi-Fi and unlimited texting on select flights to, from, or within the U.S. You can watch and text to your heart's content. Those rate plans include Go5G, Magenta and T-Mobile ONE plans and more are eligible for this benefit.
Some T-Mobile rate plans are eligible for unlimited Full Flight Streaming (where available) Wi-Fi and texting on select flights to, from, or within the U.S. These include Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX, Magenta Plus, PlusUp, and ONE Plus, among others. are also eligible.
To upgrade to an eilgible plan, view our list of cell phone plans, log in to your T-Mobile account or contact customer care.
Video streaming, such as Netflix, Hulu or YouTube are available with the T-Mobile benefit on satellite flights that support streaming. In addition to the inflight entertainment provided for free from the airlines, T-Mobile customers can now choose to use their own streaming subscriptions to stream their favorite content.
Streaming availability
Streaming is only available on Satellite enabled flights.
Satellite enabled flights are typically for larger planes or longer flights.
Some planes use Air to Ground (ATG) networks instead of Satellite. ATG flights are typically for smaller, regional planes that go short distances.
While Wi-Fi may still be available on ATG, the speed will be slower and will not support streaming.
Text and picture messaging
You get unlimited messaging all flight long!
Messages sent and received while using T-Mobile In-Flight Connection are billed according to your plan and services, just like when on the ground.
All messages are billed as if you are on a Wi-Fi network in a domestic location, regardless of where your flight takes you. That means there are no international roaming charges!
If texting doesn't work for a few minutes after connecting, make sure Wi-Fi Calling is set to Enabled or On
You can use Twitter via SMS with T-Mobile In-Flight.
Visual Voicemail (VVM)
All versions of VVM (including Voicemail to Text) are supported, and they function the same in-flight as they do on a home Wi-Fi or network connection.
You should do the first-time setup of VVM or perform a version update while still on the ground, as doing these activities in-flight may not work properly.
Over-the-Top (OTT) messaging
OTT messaging is when you use third-party services to send an instant message instead of sending a text.
Messages sent and received using WhatsApp, Viber, iMessage, and Google Hangout are unlimited when using T-Mobile In-Flight.
What's not supported
Voice services
Most third-party applications that require a data connection
Texting to short codes
Emergency services (911 via text or voice)
Laptops and tablets
Some VPN Applications
Supported airlines
T-Mobile In-Flight is offered on several domestic carriers, such as:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines (on select flights)
Delta Air Lines (on select flights)
United Airlines
Some international flights to and from the U.S. on these airlines are supported.
Starting in February 2023, T-Mobile is a proud partner of Delta SkyMiles free in-flight Wi-Fi which offers fast, free Wi-Fi to all Delta SkyMiles Members on most Delta flights within the U.S.
Free Wi-Fi for Delta SkyMiles Members
T-Mobile customers already get free texting, Wi-Fi and streaming where available all flight long on four of the biggest U.S. airlines as part of In-Flight Connection. Now, we’re partnering with Delta to give everyone with a Delta SkyMiles account regardless of their wireless provider free Wi-Fi all flight long on Delta Air Lines. Accessing free Wi-Fi will also give you access to messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and iMessage while connected to Delta’s free in-flight Wi-Fi. Carrier messaging (SMS, MMS, and some RCS) is not supported.
You can expect Free Wi-Fi for Delta SkyMiles Members on most Delta flights with Viasat Wi-Fi enabled within the U.S. starting February 1, 2023, and will be on more than 700 Delta aircraft by the end of 2023.
You can join Delta SkyMiles for free while on board or on the ground to access free Wi-Fi and other benefits. If you are not a member, In-Flight Wi-Fi is available for $10.
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