WiFi Calling on Planes: What's Allowed and Why
The regulations, airline policies, and practical reality of making voice and video calls at 35,000 feet.
WiFi calling works differently depending on the underlying technology. On Starlink-equipped flights with 20–40 ms latency, VoIP calls feel like home broadband. On older satellite systems, audio may be choppy and video calls impractical. For a full breakdown of which airlines offer the best connectivity, see our best airlines for WiFi ranking.
WiFi Calling (VoIP)
WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Teams — all use internet data, not the cellular network. Generally legal and permitted by most airlines, though voice calls may be socially discouraged. Requires the aircraft to have WiFi and typically a purchased plan.
Cellular Calling (Mobile Network)
Using your phone's mobile network to make standard calls or send SMS. Banned on virtually all commercial flights worldwide due to interference risks with aircraft systems and disruption to ground networks. Your phone must be in Airplane Mode.
The Regulatory Picture
United States (FCC): The FCC prohibits in-flight cellular transmission. WiFi calls are unregulated at the federal level — airlines set their own policies. Most US carriers allow VoIP calls.
European Union (EASA/Ofcom): The EU allows airlines to enable in-cabin mobile services using onboard picocells (a controlled mini-network). However, most European carriers choose not to enable voice calls, citing passenger surveys that consistently show strong opposition to in-flight voice calls. Voice calls over VoIP are technically permitted but socially taboo on most European carriers.
Gulf carriers: Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad have been more progressive in allowing VoIP calls, particularly in premium cabins. Emirates has formally permitted WhatsApp calls on select routes since 2024.
Ofcom in-flight connectivity guidanceAirline-by-Airline WiFi Calling Policy
| Airline | Voice Calls | Video Calls | Messaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Allowed (selected routes) | Allowed (selected routes) | Yes |
| Qatar Airways | Permitted (Starlink aircraft) | Permitted (Starlink aircraft) | Yes |
| Singapore Airlines | Permitted (varies by cabin) | Not standard | Yes |
| JetBlue | Permitted | Permitted | Yes |
| Alaska Airlines | Permitted | Permitted | Yes |
| United Airlines | Permitted (no block) | Permitted | Yes |
| British Airways | Discouraged (not blocked) | Discouraged | Yes |
| Lufthansa | Discouraged | Discouraged | Yes |
| Ryanair | N/A (no WiFi) | N/A | N/A |
| Virgin Atlantic | Permitted | Permitted (A350 Starlink) | Yes |
| Southwest Airlines | Permitted | Permitted | Yes |
Policies change. Always check your airline's current inflight connectivity page before assuming.
The Unwritten Rules
- • Even where voice calls are technically permitted, keep them short — other passengers are in close quarters with nowhere to go.
- • Always use headphones for any audio, including calls.
- • Messaging and text-based communication has no etiquette concerns — use freely.
- • Long video calls in Economy are considered antisocial on most European and Asian carriers.
- • Business class with privacy doors (Qatar Qsuite, Emirates First) changes the calculus — calls are far less intrusive.