Communications in the Sky on Qantas
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
Qantas Airlines has introduced an array of in-flight communication services onboard its international B747-400 aircraft. These inflight communications have each been designed to improve the quality of your travel experience.
Inflight SMS and Phones
Now for $1.90 you can send and receive text messages right from your seat. Just like your cellular phone, you can send messages up to 160 characters in length to any SMS compatible mobile phone or e-mail address. SMS service is available on most B747-400 aircraft and needs to be activated by credit card. You can also choose to use the satelite phone, but at $5.00 per minute your family will probably understand if you just tell them about the flight when you land.
Seat to Seat Calls
Seat to seat calls are a very useful service to several groups of travelers. Business travelers in First or Business Class who want to communicate with associates in economy, parents wishing to control their teenage children, and any other group not fortunate enough to be sitting next to each other.
Seat to seat calls may be useful for people who are not sitting together but it is rare for the cabin staff not to move a few people around so that you can be together. For most people, seat to seat calling will be one of those novelties that you try out when you are first on the plane by calling your friends two rows back.
PC Power Outlets
Qantas has started to do something great here. They are introducing AC power in First and Business on their B747-400 fleet. This means that, eventually, you will no longer have to carry a universal adapter with you to plug in your laptop. If you find yourself on a plane without the new AC power, you can buy an adapter from Inflight Duty Free.
