Ignoring the usual pre-flight warning to put your phone in ‘airplane mode’ could cost you a bundle, depending on which airline you fly.
Aeromobile, the inflight phone system used by 23 airlines, including Aer Lingus, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar and Singapore Airlines, will connect with any phone on the plane that’s not in airplane mode. Roaming on their network is not covered by most carriers, and your carrier will bill you.
The Aeromobile system doesn’t send text messages to let you know you’re connected, especially if you’ve left the phone in a bag or pocket. Some travelers have seen bills for hundreds of dollars.
