do i have to buy airtran wi-fi service..during flight?

[leanne11]

can i just use my att data service?..i wanted the kids to whatch some Winnie Pooh movies from YouTube during flight..or is there no service.or high roaming charges ..ill pack the old DVD player if no smartphones..

 

[SueM in MN]

can i just use my att data service?..i wanted the kids to whatch some Winnie Pooh movies from YouTube during flight..or is there no service.or high roaming charges ..ill pack the old DVD player if no smartphones..

No, that won't work.
Cell phones need to be turned off during the entire time you are in the air. If you want to be on the Internet, you need to use the airplane's wifi since you will not be able to use your data service.

Before your plane starts to taxi, the flight attendant will make an announcement telling people to turn off all electronic devices. This includes things like cell phones, computers, DVD players, handheld games, iPods and other electronic music players. Basically, if it has an on and off switch, it needs to be off.

At a certain point after your plane is in the air, they will announce that electronic devices are allowed to be used. If you have a cell phone that you are playing games on, you can use it for games, but it has to be set in airplane mode, which means it is not sending out or receiving signals. If it has wifi, you can turn that on and use the wifi supplied by the airplane, but you can't use your data plan.

 

[prncess674]

Correct that you can't use your data plan, but if you do decide to use the inflight wi-fi, be aware that most airlines block the use of any streaming internet video since there is a limited amount of bandwidth. I suggest you download a few movies or shows to your device.

 

[Badger Brent]

So I'm guessing if I'm using a Ipad, crusiing around on message boards would'nt be a problem? I know that we will have two laptops and my Ipad and this info would be good to pass on to my young adult kids. Thanks!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Also, the "Winnie the Pooh" videos and any other "noise" requires the use of headphones. The passengers around you don't want to hear the music, movie etc.. and won't care that 'my kids are bored and/or cute"