As we increasingly rely on staying connected to the internet, even when we’re 30,000 feet in the air, many airlines have started to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services to their passengers. Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s most popular airlines, is no exception. However, one of the most common questions passengers have is: how much does Wi-Fi cost on Virgin Atlantic? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi services, including the costs, availability, and tips on how to stay connected during your flight.
Understanding Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi Services
Virgin Atlantic offers Wi-Fi on most of its flights, with the exception of a few short-haul routes. The airline has partnered with Gogo Inflight Internet, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity solutions, to offer passengers a reliable and fast internet connection. The service is available on most Virgin Atlantic aircraft, including its Airbus A330, A350, and Boeing 787 planes.
How Does it Work?
To access Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi, passengers simply need to bring their own device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and connect to the “VirginAtlantic” network. Once connected, they can browse the internet, check emails, and stay connected with friends and family on the ground.
Wi-Fi Costs on Virgin Atlantic
Now, let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind: how much does Wi-Fi cost on Virgin Atlantic? The answer is not a simple one, as the cost of Wi-Fi varies depending on the flight route, duration, and the type of device you’re using.
Hourly and Daily Passes
Virgin Atlantic offers hourly and daily passes for its Wi-Fi service. The cost of these passes is as follows:
- 1-hour pass: £4.99 (approximately $6.50 USD)
- 2-hour pass: £7.99 (approximately $10.50 USD)
- 4-hour pass: £12.99 (approximately $17 USD)
- Daily pass: £19.99 (approximately $26 USD)
Megabyte-Based Pricing
In addition to hourly and daily passes, Virgin Atlantic also offers a megabyte-based pricing plan. This plan is ideal for passengers who only need to send a few emails or check their social media accounts. The cost of this plan is as follows:
- 10MB: £2.99 (approximately $3.90 USD)
- 50MB: £7.99 (approximately $10.50 USD)
- 100MB: £14.99 (approximately $19.50 USD)
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Wi-Fi Connection
While Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi services are generally reliable, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your connection:
- Choose the right pass for your needs: If you only need to check your emails and browse the internet for a short period, an hourly or megabyte-based pass might be the best option. However, if you need to stay connected for an extended period, a daily pass might be more cost-effective.
- Use your device’s airplane mode: To save battery life, make sure your device is in airplane mode before connecting to the Wi-Fi network.
- Close unnecessary apps: Closing unnecessary apps will help you conserve data and reduce the risk of going over your allowance.
Other In-Flight Entertainment Options
While Wi-Fi is a great way to stay connected during your flight, Virgin Atlantic also offers a range of other in-flight entertainment options, including:
- Vera, Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight entertainment system, which offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games.
- In-flight magazines, which feature the latest news, trends, and travel guides.
- In-flight meals and snacks, which can be pre-ordered or purchased on board.
Conclusion
Staying connected during your flight is easier than ever with Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi services. While the cost of Wi-Fi can vary depending on your flight route and duration, the airline offers a range of pricing options to suit different needs and budgets. By following our tips and choosing the right pass for your needs, you can stay connected, productive, and entertained during your flight.
| Flight Route | Wi-Fi Cost (Hourly Pass) |
|---|---|
| London to New York | £4.99 (approximately $6.50 USD) |
| London to Dubai | £7.99 (approximately $10.50 USD) |
| London to Hong Kong | £12.99 (approximately $17 USD) |
Note: The prices listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the time of year, demand, and other factors.
What is the cost of Wi-Fi on Virgin Atlantic flights?
The cost of Wi-Fi on Virgin Atlantic flights varies depending on the flight duration and the type of device you are using. On most flights, you can expect to pay around £4.99 (approximately $6.50 USD) for a 40MB data package, £7.99 (approximately $10.50 USD) for a 150MB data package, and £14.99 (approximately $19.50 USD) for a 300MB data package.
It’s worth noting that these prices are subject to change, and Virgin Atlantic may offer special promotions or discounts on certain flights. Additionally, if you’re a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club member, you may be eligible for discounted Wi-Fi rates or even free Wi-Fi on certain flights.
Can I use my phone or tablet to connect to Wi-Fi on Virgin Atlantic flights?
Yes, you can use your phone or tablet to connect to Wi-Fi on Virgin Atlantic flights. Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi system is compatible with most smartphones and tablets, including iOS and Android devices. To connect, simply enable Wi-Fi on your device, select the Virgin Atlantic Wi-Fi network, and follow the prompts to purchase a data package.
Keep in mind that the type of device you use may affect the speed and quality of your Wi-Fi connection. Laptops and tablets may have a stronger signal and faster speeds than smartphones, but all devices should be able to connect and access the internet.
Do I need to purchase a data package for each device I want to connect to Wi-Fi?
No, you do not need to purchase a separate data package for each device you want to connect to Wi-Fi. Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi system allows you to connect multiple devices to the same account, and you can use your data package across all of your devices.
However, keep in mind that the data package is tied to your account, not your device. This means that if you use multiple devices to access the internet, you’ll be using the same data package and the data will be deducted from your total allowance accordingly.
How fast is the Wi-Fi on Virgin Atlantic flights?
The speed of the Wi-Fi on Virgin Atlantic flights can vary depending on several factors, including the type of aircraft, the number of passengers using the Wi-Fi, and the quality of the satellite signal. On average, you can expect speeds of around 10-20Mbps, which is suitable for browsing the internet, checking email, and streaming low-definition content.
However, if you need to stream high-definition content or upload large files, you may experience slower speeds. It’s also worth noting that the Wi-Fi speed may be affected by turbulence or other factors that can disrupt the satellite signal.
Can I use Wi-Fi on all Virgin Atlantic flights?
No, Wi-Fi is not available on all Virgin Atlantic flights. Currently, Wi-Fi is available on most Virgin Atlantic long-haul flights, but it may not be available on shorter flights or on certain aircraft. You can check with Virgin Atlantic’s website or mobile app to see if Wi-Fi is available on your specific flight.
If Wi-Fi is not available on your flight, you can still stay entertained with Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight entertainment system, which offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games.
Can I use my data package to make voice or video calls?
No, you cannot use your data package to make voice or video calls on Virgin Atlantic flights. Virgin Atlantic’s Wi-Fi system is designed for data-only use, and voice and video calls are not supported.
However, you can use your device’s cellular network to make voice calls or send texts while in flight, although this may incur roaming charges. Alternatively, you can use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Skype to make voice or video calls over the internet, but this will use your data allowance.
Will I be able to use Wi-Fi on my connecting flight?
If you have a connecting flight with Virgin Atlantic, you may be able to use Wi-Fi on the second leg of your journey, but this depends on the specific flight and aircraft. If the second flight has Wi-Fi available, you’ll need to purchase a new data package or use any remaining data from your previous flight.
It’s worth noting that you may not be able to use your existing data package on the connecting flight, as each flight has its own separate Wi-Fi system. You can check with Virgin Atlantic’s website or mobile app to see if Wi-Fi is available on your connecting flight and what options are available.