V-Flyer

Hi,

We are due to fly MAN to MCO tomorrow on VS75 747-400.

We have not used the on board WiFi previously but my daughter is asking about the possibility of using it this time. I vaguely remember reading something about needing to set up a Gogo account before hand?

Could someone guide me through the basics please? If I’ve not left it too late!!

Thanks.

Ali.

You don't need to set anything up before the flight. Just connect when inflight and you can do everything there and then.
I think it's important to set expectations though I think.
1. It's quite expensive. Can't remember the exact pricing, it varies according to aircraft (because they don't all use the same provider) and has had a fairly recent price increase. It's something of the order of £20-£30 for the full flight.
2. The WiFi is enough to support browsing (inc sites and apps like Facebook), email, messaging etc. It will not support streaming video services like Netflix. And in my experience, the speed and reliability will vary throughout the flight.

There are 3 tiers for the on-board WiFi on the 744’s.

Messaging only which works on all the popular message platforms (not able to send or receive pics or vids though) for around £2.99 for the entire flight, 1 hour blocks (full web access) for about £4.99 per hour or access for the entire flight for about £20.99.

You set it up and pay using a credit or debit card like any other WiFi hotspot.

You can use multiple devices though with a single plan, just not all at the same time.

You can’t use your Boingo access (if you have that which comes with the VS Rewards+ MasterCard) on the 744’s though. That only works on the B789’s or the A332’s.

Thank you.

Signed up whilst on board, £20.99 but she was as happy as a pig in......

Mainly used it to keep in touch with her pals, quite funny to see an emoji of her on Snapchat, in a light aircraft, crossing the Atlantic!

Flight was good, food rubbish (economy), nothing that a swift Panda Express couldn’t fix!

Ali x

I have used the GoGo internet offering on the 747-400's on many an occasion.

Whilst it may not be supposed to, it can & does easily handle streaming services as long as not too many people are using it. (The £20.99 fee for the entire flight is probably a good deterrent for most).

I have streamed stuff off YouTube in HD and BBC iPlayer (via a VPN) with no issues. Yes, you got the occasional bit of buffering, but nothing to make the viewing experience painful / un-watchable. Indeed on my last VS76 flight home I spent a good while watching the best bits of Only Fools & Horses on YouTube - was way more amusing than anything on Vera.

It's worth noting that the internet connection does completely drop a few times during the flight for a minute or two whilst the antennae in the wifi radome move from one satellite connection to a new one.