When you’re on a business trip or traveling abroad, have you ever thought, “I wish I could stay in touch on my phone even during the flight…”?

That said, in‑flight Wi‑Fi can be expensive, and speeds can be unreliable when the network is congested—so it’s often hard to decide whether it’s worth using.

That’s where Rakuten Mobile’s “In‑Flight Roaming” comes in. On supported airlines and aircraft, you can use mobile data even while you’re in the air, making it easy to message before landing or check your connection details. Rakuten Mobile offers more than just 2GB of free overseas data—here’s another way it helps you travel with peace of mind.

➤Reference: Unlimited International Calls in Japan? Rakuten Mobile’s Rakuten Link is Incredibly Convenient!

What Is Rakuten Mobile’s “In‑Flight Roaming”?

“In‑Flight Roaming” is a service that lets you connect via roaming during international flights on supported airlines and aircraft, enabling data communication (and, as needed, voice calls and SMS). No SIM swap or special application is required—you can use your phone as it is.

In April 2025, Rakuten Mobile partnered with the UK telecommunications company AeroMobile to provide this in‑flight roaming service.

*Please check the supported airlines and aircraft here.

How to Use It and How Pricing Works

📝Setup Is Easy

📝How to Use It On Board

　 Steps are simple:

　 1. After takeoff, wait until mobile phone use is permitted on board
　 2. Turn off Airplane Mode on your phone
　 3. Enable Data Roaming in your device settings
　 4. If it’s difficult to connect, manually select the in‑flight roaming carrier “AeroMobile” in Network Selection

📝Charges

In‑flight roaming data is basically counted as overseas roaming data. If you subscribe to the Rakuten Saikyo Plan, you can use it within the 2GB of free overseas data. After exceeding 2GB, you can continue using it at reduced speed (up to 128 kbps). If you need more, you can add data as needed for ¥500 per 1GB.

It’s convenient for using “just what you need, when you need it”—checking email, replying to chats, or looking up connection information.

If you use the Rakuten Link app, calls and SMS to Japan are also available free of charge.

➤Reference: No Need to Worry About Data Abroad | Get 2GB with No Extra Fees on Rakuten Mobile

Important Things to Know Before Using It

Summary

In addition to 2GB of free overseas data, Rakuten Mobile lets you stay minimally connected in the air through in‑flight roaming on supported flights. With roaming turned on and a clear understanding of which flights and time windows are supported, your trips—whether for travel or business—can be safer and more comfortable.

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