Are you going on a trip and wondering if your eSIM will keep you connected during your flight or cruise? In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about connectivity while traveling, the limitations of eSIMs, and the alternatives available to stay connected, wherever you are.
Do eSIMs work on airplanes?
The short answer is no. eSIMs, just like traditional physical SIMs, use terrestrial cellular networks to function. When you’re thousands of feet above the ground, your device is too far from terrestrial antennas to pick up a usable signal.
For this reason, on commercial flights it is necessary to activate "airplane mode" on the devices, which deactivates the cellular communication functions. This is done not only for technical reasons, but also to avoid potential interference with the aircraft's navigation systems.
How to stay connected during a flight
Although eSIMs do not work autonomously during a flight, there are dedicated WiFi services offered by airlines that allow you to connect to the Internet even at high altitudes:
Onboard WiFi : Most modern airlines offer onboard WiFi services using satellite connections.
Connectivity packages : You can purchase connectivity packages before your flight or directly on board.
Costs of WiFi on airplanes
In-flight WiFi costs vary considerably depending on the airline and the length of service requested, the prices below are an example, ask the airline before activating connections:
Hourly pass : Generally between €5 and €15 for 1-3 hours of connection
Full flight pass : From €15 to €30 for medium-duration flights
Day Pass : Between €20 and €40 for unlimited connection for 24 hours
Monthly passes : Some companies such as American Airlines or Delta offer monthly passes for frequent flyers (€50-€70)
Some premium airlines offer free WiFi to business or first class passengers, or to members of their top-tier loyalty programs.
Do eSIMs work on a cruise?
Again, the answer is generally no , at least when the ship is at sea. eSIMs work normally when the ship is docked or sailing close to the coast, but lose signal when moving away from land.
How far from the coast do eSIMs work?
eSIMs, using terrestrial cellular networks, work up to (not all eSIMs and SIM cards reach the distances listed below):
Approximately 10-16 nautical miles from the coast in ideal conditions (equivalent to approximately 20-30 km)
6-8 nautical miles in most real-world situations (equivalent to approximately 12-15 km)
Coverage can vary significantly depending on:
Power of repeaters on the coast
Weather conditions
Orography of the coast
Network technology (4G/5G)
Beyond this distance, the signal becomes progressively weaker until it disappears completely.
Connectivity on a cruise: alternatives and costs
Modern cruise ships offer several connectivity solutions:
Maritime cellular networks : Some ships have antennas that connect to specialized maritime networks, but the costs can be very high (maritime roaming).
Onboard satellite WiFi : The most common solution on cruise ships.
WiFi Costs on Cruise
Connection costs on cruises tend to be higher than those on flights:
Pay-per-use packages : From €0.25 to €0.75 per minute
Daily packages : Between €20 and €35 for 24 hours of connection
Whole Cruise Packages : From €100 to €300 for 7-10 day cruises, depending on speed and data limits
Many cruise lines offer special social media or messaging packages at reduced rates, or discounts if purchased in advance of boarding.
If you are thinking of taking a trip alone or with friends or for work, do not forget the importance of staying connected wherever you are. For unlimited Internet connection, contact BLIVALE where you can get unlimited Internet according to the destinations:
For unlimited plans like data BLIVALE guarantees free roaming anywhere in the world, no additional or hidden costs. Don't let the lack of connection stop you; get ready to explore the world with freedom and spontaneity.
User Experience: Testimonials from Travelers Connected with BLIVALE eSIMs
BLIVALE eSIMs have transformed the travel experience of many customers around the world. Here are some testimonials that demonstrate their effectiveness in various countries:
“During my tour of Japan (JP), getting from Tokyo to Kyoto without ever losing connection was essential to navigating the complex local transportation system” - Hiroshi Tanaka, who used BLIVALE’s Asia-Pacific eSIM.
"On a business trip between Berlin and Munich (DE), I was able to take part in video conferences on the train without interruptions. A revelation compared to classic roaming SIMs" - Claudia Müller, eSIM Europa user.
“Crossing the Moroccan desert (MA) and still staying in touch with family seemed impossible, yet the BLIVALE eSIM maintained signal even in the remote areas of the Atlas” - Omar El Fassi, eSIM Africa customer.
"During our honeymoon in Brazil (BR), from Rio to Manaus, we never had problems uploading photos to social media or using maps, even in the Amazon rainforest near population centers" - Isabela Santos, eSIM South America user.
"My US road trip took me through 12 different states. With BLIVALE's North America eSIM, I never had to worry about switching carriers or data plans." - Michael Thompson, who has driven over 5,000 miles on a single eSIM.
"Exploring Australia (AU) in a campervan for three months would have been much more difficult without a reliable connection. The BLIVALE eSIM worked even in remote areas of the east coast" - Emma Wilson, traveller who tested the Oceania eSIM.
“In Thailand (TH), moving between islands and the mainland, the connection remained stable allowing me to work remotely without any issues” - Anong Suphachai, digital nomad who regularly uses the Asia-Pacific eSIM.
"My pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia (SA) required me to be constantly connected with my family. BLIVALE Middle East eSIM gave me this peace of mind" - Hassan Al-Ghamdi, who particularly appreciated the stability of the service.
The ideal solution for international travellers: eSIM Unlimited by BLIVALE
For all other moments of your trip, when you are not in flight or at sea, the best solution to stay connected is to use an international eSIM . Among the various options available on the market, BLIVALE Unlimited eSIMs are an excellent choice for several reasons:
Global Coverage : They work in over 150 countries and regions
Instant Activation : No waiting for physical delivery
Unlimited data traffic : Surf without worrying about running out of GB
High-speed connections : Support for 4G/LTE and 5G networks where available
Easy installation : Quick setup via QR code
Multidevice : Possibility of use on smartphones, tablets and eSIM routers
BLIVALE eSIMs are available for specific regions or countries, allowing you to choose exactly the coverage you need:
Europe
North America
Asia-Pacific
Middle East
Africa
Latin America
Oceania
Specific individual countries
Practical tips for connectivity on the go
Plan Ahead : Check available connectivity options before you go
Purchase WiFi packages before boarding : Significant discounts are often available
Activate a BLIVALE eSIM before leaving to ensure immediate connectivity upon arrival
Download offline content : Movies, music and maps for offline moments
Use messaging apps that work even with weak connections (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Limit the use of video streaming on paid connections on board to avoid excessive costs
Conclusions
eSIMs are an excellent solution for connectivity on the go, but they have their limitations when it comes to flights and cruises on the high seas. In these situations, you need to rely on dedicated WiFi services offered by the companies.
For the rest of your international travel, BLIVALE Unlimited eSIMs offer a complete, convenient and flexible solution to stay connected. Before you leave, carefully evaluate your connectivity needs and prepare a plan that combines international eSIMs and onboard WiFi services to ensure a digitally seamless travel experience.
Don't forget: sometimes, completely disconnecting can be part of the travel experience. Take advantage of these moments to fully enjoy your adventure!
