Aeromobile: Launched today onboard Beauty Queen

VS has just announced on its FB page that Beauty Queen flew with Aeromobile today.

Full details below:

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/th ... a-_-social

Cost is based on current standard roaming charges.

Will people really want to use it? Can't say I will.

The FAQ's indicate that your network must have an agreement with Aeromobile in order that it will work.

A quick search of the Aeromobile roaming partners for the UK lists O2 as the only network at the moment.

http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/network ... #dvroaming

Also, it appears to suggest that it won't work over the US due to restrictions on mobiles in air!

Here's my reply on Facebook:

"That is the WORST news I've ever heard from VS, try for example research all the passenger surveys on in flight use of mobiles and you'll see why most people don't want this. At least the saving grace is that it'll be unaffordable, except for those on expenses who will boom into their phones and disturb everyone around them. Thanks but no thanks."

Why not just put WiFi onboard, that's like 10,000 times more useful.

At least it's only on two planes out of the fleet, but hideously sounds like it's coming to all. I may have to go to the dark side if this turns into some horror story on board.

I like being unavailable on my phone for a long flight, it's nice to turn it off and just enjoy the flight.

Julie

Also, it appears to suggest that it won't work over the US due to restrictions on mobiles in air!

It won;t work within 250 mile sof US airspace as that is "restricted" airspace for aeromobile.

Aeromobile will be on all A330's and the 747's refitted with JAM. For those of you worrying about the plane being full of people using their phones for calls - there is only a limited number of lines available at any time for calls so hopefully will not cause a distraction. It is also worth remembering that people can currently make calls on certain aircraft in our fleet now by using their IFE handsets.

It is also worth remembering that people can currently make calls on certain aircraft in our fleet now by using their handsets.

Until you're sat next to some dickhead businessman on a conference call, forgetting where he is. I see trouble ahead, with arguments ensuing, and poor CC having to manage.

[mitchja]

People wont use it the make calls when they see the costs involved anyway. SMS yes maybe.....

Here's the O2 costs from their website:

Aeroplane Networks - Pay Monthly

Calling back to UK £1.20
Receiving a Call £0.85
Calling In Country £1.20
Calling In Zone £1.79
Calling Out of zone £1.79
Sending a Text £0.40

(Includes VAT and is per minute for calls)

It also says it wont work with PAYG

People don't use the on board phones already on V:Port or Odyssey equipped A/C for the very same reason. I've never seen anyone use these yet!!

It doesn't appear to have gone down well based on the comments on Facebook.

If the charges are based on roaming, I wonder if it's possible to accept incoming calls? Although you have to pay for part of the cost of the call, it is cheaper to receive calls.

I can't imagine many B&S customers will make long calls, but as Slinky has mentioned - business customers on conference/work calls may be loud and annoying.

I suppose the same rule applies for anyone who is being loud or disruptive on the flight - the crew have to step in and ask them to quieten down.

You can also check your emails on your blackberry

When I was on BA1/2 and was able to have my phone on, it was nice to be able to receive texts and send a few to say "I'm on a plane" but they sensibly don't let you make voice calls. Useful if your plane is delayed too.

It could easily make Upper unbearable, having travelled a lot with Virgin trains, business people seem to think its inside their office and they should hold business meetings (especially in the quiet zone too). So a number of these holding conference calls and having the speakerphone on will happen...

It, to me, is like the underground having mobile access. Not welcome. Let us have somewhere away from the bellowers.

Why oh why do VS keep trying to play with these silly things. If only they would refocus on the basics of providing a decent service.
The last thing I want is those around talking on their phones. They will be shouting just to get over the background plane noise.
Another gimmick like the new economy service. No substance at all.

Agreed! Pain in the ears this one n( Think Wi-fi would be awesome but voice calling....no thanks v(

Please let it not take off and the CC can have one less thing to manage on the flight

Not a development I welcome - thank goodness for the Bose QC's.

Just wondering if anyone has flown on a flight where Aeromobile has also been offered? According to Wikipedia, there are a few airlines using it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AeroMobile

That is the WORST news I've ever heard from VS

I completely agree. I will attempt to avoid at all costs. If that means switching carrier, then so be it.

Which airport does 'Beauty Queen fly to/from?
Does anyone know the time frame for the other 330's getting this (annoying & unpopular) service?
?|

Oh Heck, just seen it's Manchester.
Wonder if I'll be on that plane from MAN to MCO on Sunday??
:0 :0 :0

Which airport does 'Beauty Queen fly to/from?

?|

Between Gatwick/Manchester and Orlando.

A few thoughts...

1. This is, on the face of it, a bad move. That said, comments about the phones on IFE handsets on V-Port / Odyssey not being used a lot due to cost are valid.
2. The A330's with this service have no UC cabin - the business travellers with the big expense accounts may prefer to travel on the 747's with UC.
3. If the Aeromobile service does not work within 250 miles of the USA (as someone above has suggested) it's an interesting choice of provider for an airline that probably has about 50% of it's destinations in the USA / Caribbean, which may involve flying within 250 miles of the USA coastline at times.

There are only 6 phone lines avaliable anyway. Only 6 voice calls are permitted at anytime.


I can see it being a popular option for texting and for emails on blackberries but dont think many people will take up the phone call option due to costs.

It will be handy though if flights are delayed and you need to change or arrange things at the other end.

Lets see what happens before we all start thinking of changing carrier!

Personally Im more worried about the Lufthansa facebook dating inflight :0

"Facebook Dating Inflight!!!!"....WHAT!!!!

:0 :0 :0

Back in "the day" when smoking was allowed in the air, aircraft were divided into zones with most of the cabin designated non-smoking.

Why, oh why, can't they do the same for the equally unsocial act of using a mobile phone in a confined space? Bung all the self-important users together in a sound proof area - at the back preferably - so they can all holler "HELLO! I'M ON THE PLANE. I SAID ... I'M ON THE ... HELLO ..." (etc.) together!

Come to think of it ... screaming children could be placed in the same area. It's all much the same thing.

For safety reasons I am not recommending these but if VS insist upon advertising cell phone contact they will attract retribution.

One assumes the crew have a big red switch if someone is becomming annoying. Similar tactics to rowdyness at the bar and a subsequent seat belt sign goes on.