Can I use eSIM to Stay Connected During Long Haul Flights and Layovers?

Situations give birth to sudden needs that are annoying if we are not prepared. When it comes to travelers, internet connectivity is their main concern. What if they have to reply to an important message or want to perform urgent work? What if they are stuck at the airport for long layovers?

Travelers face many challenges when trying to find a reliable internet connection, even to check their flight schedules, while having a layover. Here comes the magic of eSIM technology!

Long-haul flights do not allow the use of eSIMs or SIMs. Due to flight restrictions, your phones or other devices are in airplane mode. However, you can use Wi-Fi offered by airlines for a small fee or free slow-speed Wi-Fi at airports during layovers.

This blog answers the question, "Can I use eSIM to stay connected during long-haul flights and layovers?" and explains how eSIMs work for seamless travel connectivity during layovers.  

Read the complete blog to get your answers and unlock the secrets of staying online.

4.9

Highly Rated

Based on 500,000+ customer
reviews

Trusted Worldwide

Over 1 million travelers across the
globe have trusted us

Travel Friendly

No swaps, global connectivity ensured

With eSim Card, you can save 100% on roaming fees

Buy eSIM

What is eSIM, and why is it perfect for travelers?

eSIM or embedded SIM is a cardless virtual connectivity that is meant to provide you seamless connectivity throughout your journey without any hassle. They adopt the local network of your destination and support 4G & 5G services. More like traditional physical SIMs that need to be replaced every time in a new location, eSIMs are free from swapping.

eSIM is a virtual SIM card with many advantages over traditional plastic SIM cards. You can activate your eSIM before departure and forget about network issues. Every traveler should purchase an eSIM according to their tour plan.

Whether you are planning a long-haul flight that may have long layovers, eSIM has your back. With full coverage, your long layovers are not boring now. The moment you step out from the flight, you will get connected, removing your airplane mode. 

Note that if you don't put your phone on airplane mode while having eSIM installed, you will lose some data for nothing, and your device battery will be drained by searching continuously for signals.

Why do travelers love eSIM?

eSIMs used during long-haul flights and layovers are found to be cost-effective, seamlessly connected, and stress-free. You can book your hotels restaurants, or utilize navigation if on a new airport. There is no need to connect to untrusted, slow Wifi, that is free or paid. Moreover, travelers love eSIM for the following benefits:

Instant Activation

There is a three-step procedure for this: Buy, Download, and activate. In a minute, you will get your eSIM without waiting in the long queue at the airport to purchase physical SIM cards. 

Global Coverage

eSIM comes in local, regional, and Global packages. Once you get your flight schedule, that includes the layover destination. You can purchase your package plan according to that schedule and enjoy seamless connectivity in the long layovers.

No More Swapping

One of the biggest advantages of eSIM is that it doesn't require swapping. You don't need to fumble with SIM trays anymore because you can manage multiple networks from your phone. Compared to physical plastic SIMs, eSIM is highly convenient.

eSIMs let travelers always be connected for remote work, social usage, navigation, or video calls with family. If these reasons are not enough for loved travelers, then what else could be?

Can You Use eSIM During Your Flight?

If it is to say in one word the answer is NO. Because when you are on long-haul flights, you are in airplane mode as per flight restrictions. The question here is how you can stay connected without using eSIM on the flight.

The flight restricts you from using your cellular networks, so you have to switch to airplane mode, which makes eSIMs unavailable. In order to stay connected, you can do the following:

In-Flight Wifi

Airlines offer Wifi services in different package plans. Economy passengers usually pay for the airline Wifi, while business travelers have Wifi passwords included. In this way, you can stay connected and use apps like WhatsApp and Zoom or answer your e-mails with airline Wifi.

VoIP Apps

By using airline Wifi, you are able to send messages or make calls by voice over IP apps. These apps will let you connect on long-haul flights. Google Meet and Skype-like apps are included in this.

Download in Advance

This is called management. To save data on your eSIM and bypass slow Wi-Fi, you can download your maps and boarding passes and activate your eSIM before departure. You will have apps downloaded to use in flight and pre-installed maps in layovers. Just remove airplane mode while stepping out from the flight and use eSIM for seamless connectivity.

How do eSIMs work during Layovers?

Several factors will force you to buy an eSIM for your next trip. Having an eSIM during layovers is the most convenient and intelligent decision for a traveler. Why?

Instant Activation

The beauty of eSIM is its feature of instant activation. Once you land at the airport of your destination or for a layover, eSIM will be connected to the local network just after switching from airplane mode. There is no need to swap the SIM or try to search for a local network counter to buy a SIM. Just tap, and you will get connected.

Global Compatibility

Choose your package wisely and according to your flight schedule. eSIM offers global coverage and high-speed internet access everywhere. For example, if you purchase from eSIM Card, you have the option to stay connected in up to 200+ countries.

No More Hidden Charges

The second best feature of eSIM is that they are cost effective. You can avoid costly airport Wifi and international roaming charges by grabbing an eSIM. Choose your layover destination before buying eSIM, and that's it; you are connected.

Tips for Layover

Those looking for eSIM use for long-haul flights and layovers must pick these practical tips for a seamless experience.

Plan Ahead

Before your departure, confirm that your layover destination supports eSIM coverage. If you buy from eSIM Card, you can choose from different package plans that cover your layover location.

Switch Off Airplane Mode

Once you have activated your eSIM before departure, you can put your phone into airplane mode in flight. Upon landing at the layover location, you can switch off airplane mode and in an instant, your eSIM will get connected. This will allow you to connect to the best local network and get connected.

Use Time Wisely

If you are in transit, you can search for the best coffee shop near you or make reservations at your favorite place. The eSIM allows you to stay productive and entertain yourself with high-speed internet.

Conclusion

Whether it is in the air or on land, staying connected to a network is highly important. You can use eSIM for long-haul flights and layovers to minimize the hassle. The stress-free connectivity will let you experience other things and can fill your journey with more. Modern means of connectivity are highly appreciable by travellers. So, if you are planning your hassle-free travel, Visit eSIM Card to see your travel destination coverage.

FAQs

Is an eSIM a good choice for travel?

Yes, eSIM is a modern means of hassle-free communication. There is no swapping or long queues to buy SIM cards at airports, and international roaming is no longer expensive.

Can I Use my eSIM in Airplane Mode?

No, when you switch to airplane mode, you are cut off from connecting to any cellular network. The only option you have is the airline's Wi-Fi. Once you land at your destination or layover location, you will reconnect by switching off airplane mode.