Travel News 2023: Free In-flight Messaging Now Available in Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is launching a variety of new WIFI packages, each of which will come with complimentary in-flight messaging.

By signing in with their Etihad Guest membership, or by joining the scheme prior to travelling, all passengers will be able to take use of complimentary ‘Chat’ communications throughout the whole of their flights. This includes WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat.

Free In-flight Messaging in Etihad Airways

How much will the Chat Package will cost on Etihad Airways?

On flights lasting less than seven hours, the Chat package can be purchased for $2.99 by passengers who are not members of the loyalty programme. On flights lasting longer than seven hours, the Chat package can be purchased for $4.99.

A ‘Surf’ plan, on the other hand, allows for an unlimited amount of data consumption and is completely free of charge for Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive members as well as customers travelling in first class. For travelers in other cabin classes, the fee is $9.99 for trips lasting less than seven hours and $19.99 for flights lasting more than seven hours.

Official Statement From Etihad Airways

The Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, Antonoaldo Neves, made the following statement: “We know how important it is for our guests to stay connected. That is why we are thrilled to introduce an added complimentary benefit for Etihad Guest members. We welcome everyone to sign up before they fly so that they can take advantage of this benefit immediately.”

“Our fleet of modern wide-body aircraft is fitted with the right technology to enable this service and offer our guests an enjoyable connected experience throughout their journey,” he continued. “Our guests will be able to stay connected and enjoy their flight thanks to the technology that is installed in our aircraft.”

The narrow-body aircraft in the airline’s fleet will continue to offer passengers the mobile connectivity service that is now available. This service enables passengers to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and use their data roaming packages in the same manner that they would on the ground.

In-Flight Messaging Will Be Provided By Turkish Airlines For Free

A similar announcement was made by Turkish Airlines earlier this week, which stated that its Miles&Smiles members will have free use of chat applications on certain aircraft types first, before freebie access was pushed out to its whole fleet.

According to an announcement made by the airline earlier this month, Turkish Airlines would provide ‘free and limitless’ in-flight messaging services to passengers flying internationally.

The company intends to begin offering the limitless in-flight messaging service initially on those of its aircraft that are equipped with internet access provided by Turk Telekom, and then progressively expanding its availability to include all aircraft that are equipped with an internet connection.

About The Plan

Members of the Miles&Smiles loyalty programme will be eligible to receive a gratis service that enables travelers to utilize messaging programmes such as WhatsApp, Messenger, or iMessage. According to the airline, non-members will have access to the in-flight messaging service after filling out a membership form either before or during the trip. This can take place either before the flight or during it.

Official Statement from Turkish Airlines

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines, Bilal Eksi, the service is “another innovative development to the countless improvements we made for Turkey’s aviation sector as the national flag carrier.”

In addition, he stated that “by combining our innovative approach with customer satisfaction, we are ensuring that our passengers will be able to freely message their loved ones above the clouds, staying in contact with them without any limits.”

How In-flight Messaging Benefits Passengers

The new in-flight messaging service has many advantages for flyers, such as:

  • Flyers won’t have to disconnect from their social lives just because they’re in the air. The ability to instantly communicate and share information, media, and entertainment will greatly enhance their flight.
  • Passengers now have even more ways to spend the time while in the air thanks to the availability of chat apps. This will be especially helpful for longer trips, during which some passengers may begin to get bored.
  • Business travelers will be more productive because they can keep in touch with their office and clients even when in the air. Those who need to work while traveling may find this especially helpful.

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