British Airways is set to allow passengers to make voice and video calls on flights equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, starting with its long-haul fleet.
Passengers on supported aircraft will get access to free unlimited high-speed internet, allowing them to use services like FaceTime, iMessage, Zoom, and other Wi-Fi-based apps during flights.
While many airlines offer onboard Wi-Fi, most still prohibit voice and video calls. British Airways, however, says such calls will be permitted, though the airline is asking passengers to “be considerate.”
“If you need to take a call during the flight, we’d appreciate it if you could keep your voice low and use headphones,” the airline says in its guidance.
Other major airlines, including United, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific, continue to ban live voice and video communication onboard.
British Airways says passengers should always use headphones when watching or listening to content, while also encouraging those making calls to speak quietly to avoid disturbing others nearby.