Emma Sky

14-Mar-2025

What is Airplane Wi-Fi| How does it work?

Airplane WiFi allows travelers to stay connected, browse the internet, stream content, and send and receive emails and files at 30,000 feet. Sometimes, users don’t experience a good internet connection while traveling and get frustrated. Flights offer a faster internet connection to help travelers stay connected.

Are you curious about how travelers access the internet in the sky? This article will answer your questions. I will discuss how airplane WiFi works on flights and whether it has extra charges.

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What is airplane WiFi?

Inflight WiFi or airplane WiFi is the wireless internet connection commercial airlines offer passengers. It allows you to access the connection for internet browsing. Internet connectivity is caused by terrestrial cell towers or internet satellites. You can connect your smartphone and laptop to the internet to browse websites, catch up on work, and send messages.

How does inflight WiFi work?

Airplanes have a specific type of antenna that gets signals. These antennas are fitted on the top of the plane. In-flight WiFi is like staying connected to the earth. However, it is a complex process, and different airlines use different internet access approaches. The following are methods used for the airplane's internet connection.

Air-to-ground Wi-Fi

In this method, the antennas on the plane connect to the cell towers on the ground. The antennas on the airplane are strong enough to catch signals from a high altitude at a fast speed. When they connect to the nearest tower, the antennas work similarly to your smartphone.

Some airlines offer basic internet packages for messaging and browsing. However, you can’t make a live call or stream videos. The air-to-ground internet connection works on domestic flights. It doesn’t work seamlessly in mountain ranges or when traveling between the country's borders.

Satellite Wi-Fi

The antenna links with the satellite above the Earth for the satellite WiFi. When the passenger sends a message or mail, the data request goes to the satellite and is delivered to the destination network. It provides a seamless, fast internet connection but is expensive.

To maintain the budget, airlines use both satellite and air-to-ground WiFi. These methods improve the inflight WiFi availability.

It is a complex system that can be installed in airplanes. Therefore, not all airlines offer an internet connection.

On-board Hardware

Onboard hardware is the system fitted into the plane. The hardware captures the internet signals and links the passenger's devices to the internet.

Airplane WiFi Speed and Coverage

The coverage quality and speed of WiFi varies from one airline to another. It also depends on whether you get the subscription or use free WiFi.

Internet Speed

The average speed of inflight WiFi is around 10 to 25 Mbps, which is not very good. Users can check emails and messages with such speed. The speed is improved with a satellite base connection. It can be suitable for browsing.

Coverage and Connection

Usually internet coverage remains stable. However, connectivity drops over the oceans and remote areas. Stormy weather also impacts airplane WiFi connectivity.

Data Transmission

The airplane WiFi users face data transmission delay, which limits streaming, gaming, and video calling in the plane.

Does inflight WiFi allow streaming music and YouTube videos?

It depends on your travel airline. Most allow streaming Spotify and Apple Music at low quality. Sometimes airlines block high bandwidth platforms like YouTube and Netflix. You can not watch HD videos with the WiFi. Similarly, you will face consistent data interruption and buffering while using social media.

The best solution is to download your favourite entertainment content before traveling.

Free vs. Paid Airplane Wi-Fi

Some airlines offer free WiFi while others charge for connectivity. You can check emails and send messages on free version. While paid WiFi allows flexible coverage and stable internet speed. Users can browse the internet and stream videos at the subscription plans. Some of the airlines that offer free and paid inflight WiFi include.

Airlines offer Free WiFi

JetBlue
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Delta Airlines

These airlines offer free messaging and limited browsing services in selected flights.

Airlines offer Paid WiFi

American Airlines
British Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines

Is there an alternative to inflight WiFi?

No, there is no specified alternative to inflight WiFi. You can keep yourself entertained with pre-installed movies and shows on your device. To access the strong connection, you can choose the travel airline that offers the data subscription plan for the passengers. Paid WiFi offers much better connection than free.

You can buy eSIM for your destination country, but it will activate after you land at the airport. Embedded SIM is the best option to connect throughout the journey with any roaming. Get connected with eSIM Card.

Conclusion

Inflight or airlane WiFi is the internet provided to the passenger for website browsing, sending and receiving messages, and mail. Most airlines offer WiFi connections for passengers.

The antennas on the plane catch internet signals from satellites or ground tower cells. The speed and connectivity of WiFi varies based on the airline you choose. The names of the airlines that offer paid and free WiFi are listed in the blog. You can select between these according to your preference.

If you are worried about staying connected at your destination country, buy an eSIM to enjoy convenient, flexible data throughout your journey.

FAQs

How do you get Wi-Fi on a plane?

Passengers can get WiFi in flight via satellite-based WiFi and air-to-ground WiFi. Sometimes, it may include a third-party internet provider.

Can I use my phone data on an airplane?

You can't use your phone data on the airplane. It is due to the wireless devices creating electromagnetic interference that interrupts the pilot's communication.