Air Canada passengers will now have phone Wi-Fi service in-flight but there's a catch

Air Canada Wi-Fi equipped aircraft are able to offer passengers significant benefits thanks to a multi-year partnership between the airline and Bell, which includes free in-flight messaging and Live TV on select flights.

Pretty soon, you'll be able to send unlimited texts in the air, or catch that live sports game in action.

We’ve joined forces with @Bell to provide @Aeroplan members with free in-flight messaging on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft across our fleet beginning May 15, and will soon introduce an expansion of Live TV on flights to the U.S. ✈️ 📱

Learn more: https://t.co/qVz0YzVA3P pic.twitter.com/RWwr5jJJGb

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) May 3, 2023

Starting May 15, passengers worldwide travelling on Air Canada's Wi-Fi equipped aircraft will finally be able to send and receive unlimited texts, including those flying on Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights.

This is a great new development for Air Canada, which joins the list of several other global airlines who already offer free in-flight messaging, such as Delta, Southwest, Air France, and Turkish Airlines.

The catch, however, is that you'll have to be an Aeroplan member, or a strategic partner airline loyalty member. This includes customers of United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Group Miles & More and Emirates Skywards when their account numbers are associated with an Air Canada booking.

Visitors and newcomers to Canada will also have a new immediate and easy way to stay connected as soon as they land in Canada, as they will be provided with complimentary mobile SIM cards offered on select inbound international flights.

In addition, Air Canada's in-flight entertainment will expand to include Live TV service on select flights to the U.S., which is anticipated to arrive later this summer.