Inflight messaging services can now be accessed for free on board Vistara‘s connected fleet. The carrier’s latest tariff shift adds an option for complimentary access to that service tier for all members of the carrier’s Club Vistara loyalty program. The move follows pricing changes from August where Vistara removed data caps from most of its inflight internet offerings.
Vistara’s in-flight internet service is delivered via a partnership between Panasonic Avionics and Nelco, with the latter providing the local integration services necessary for Indian airlines to get online. The service is active on international routes operated by Vistara’s 787-9 and A321neo aircraft.
Vistara’s free messaging plan – somewhat misleadingly teased by the company as free Wi-Fi on board – sees the carrier join a growing roster of airlines bringing some sort of free internet connectivity on board.
Earlier this month Malaysia Airlines made inflight WiFi free on its wide-body fleet, including its A330 operations to Mumbai and Delhi. Vistara does not, however, operate competing routes to Malaysia. Similarly, Delta Air Lines announced its plans to make Wi-Fi free on board earlier this year and quickly equipped more than 600 planes to support that effort. The remaining fleet, including its regional jets, is mostly expected to be equipped by the end of 2024.
Read more: Vistara dumps data caps, adds streaming to inflight internet
Air Canada also continues to grow its free offering. The carrier made messaging free earlier this year and now is supporting full free access on at least one aircraft, with plans to grow that more broadly across its fleet as well. Other airlines like Swiss have added free access to messaging services recently, though not a broader free connection on board. Singapore Airlines offers free access – albeit capped at two hours in economy class – for its passengers.
One data cap package remains for Vistara. Business class travelers and top tier elites still receive a complimentary session on board, but it remains a 50 MB allocation rather than one of the new data packages.
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