Do airplanes have Wi-Fi? How does it work?

Is there Wi-Fi on planes?

Let's start with the basics – can you use Wi-Fi on an airplane? The short answer is yes if your flight has it. But not all flights do. In-flight Wi-Fi is now available on most major airlines, and more are getting onboard every day. Wi-Fi on a plane lets passengers stay connected and makes those long flights more bearable. With this service, you can surf the web, send emails, and even stream video services while you're on a flight.

Now you may be wondering, “Do all airplanes have Wi-Fi?” While many major airlines provide Wi-Fi on both short-haul and long-haul flights, its quality and availability can vary depending on the airplane and route you’re traveling on. 

In-flight internet speeds might not be as fast as what you're used to on the ground, but they are getting better. With technology improving all the time, the sky's the limit for staying connected while you’re in the air.

The most famous airlines that offer Wi-Fi on their airplanes

In-flight Wi-Fi is quickly becoming the norm on many top airlines. Whether you’re on a short trip or a long journey, staying connected while you’re in the air is now easier than ever. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous airlines that provide Wi-Fi on their planes and the specifics of what they offer.

British Airways

British Airways offers paid Wi-Fi on many short-haul and long-haul flights. You can buy packages based on your flight duration, which ranges from one hour to the entire flight. You can send messages to friends and family, browse the web to catch up on news or social media, and even stream your favorite movies and TV shows. Whatever you need, you won't miss a beat just because you're in the air.

Emirates

Emirates offers a fantastic in-flight Wi-Fi experience, especially for members of its Skywards loyalty program. Skywards members can enjoy free unlimited chatting throughout the flight, and those flying first class get free Wi-Fi for the entire journey.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines provides free in-flight Wi-Fi access to any class passengers, from economy to first class, on all routes and flights, except for Boeing 737-800 NG flights. However, if you want to use this service, you need to be a KrisFlyer loyalty program member first. But it’s free to join, so you can sign up during booking or at the airport before departure.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways offers both free and paid in-flight Wi-Fi options. Members of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club frequent flyer program, which is free to join, receive one hour of free connectivity onboard. If you need more data for streaming or extensive browsing, you can buy a Full Flight access plan for an additional fee. The airline’s pricing plan options are flexible to suit all needs.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa has three different in-flight Wi-Fi service plans. Whether you’re just looking to send a few quick messages, catch up on emails, or binge watch your favorite shows, this airline has you covered. The basic plan is great if you only need to stay in touch with friends or family because it offers free messaging. If you’re planning on streaming movies or handling work tasks, the more data-heavy plans have you sorted. Plus, all plans are reasonably priced, so you won’t have to break the bank to stay connected.

American Airlines

American Airlines provides Wi-Fi on almost all domestic flights and some international routes, including those served by 777-300ER, 787 Dreamliner, and some 777-200 planes. Before your flight, you can check if in-flight Wi-Fi is available on your specific plane. If it is, you’ll need to pay a fee to connect.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines, one of the big names in US aviation, started offering free Wi-Fi on its flights in early 2023. Delta SkyMiles members can use this perk at no extra cost. Just sign up before boarding, and you’ll be all set to enjoy a connected flight without worrying about extra fees. 

United Airlines

Most domestic and international United Airlines flights have in-flight Wi-Fi.  You can check its website for a coverage map to see if your flight has connectivity. United Airlines offers different pricing tiers based on region, speed, and data allowance. Frequent travelers can also choose a monthly subscription for Central and North American flights. It’s a cost-effective option for those who fly often.

Air France

Air France has Wi-Fi on about 90% of its aircraft. You can choose from three plane Wi-Fi pass options: Message Pass, Surf Pass, and Stream Pass. The Message Pass allows free messaging on apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, iMessage, and WeChat. The Surf Pass is a good option for email and general web browsing. The Stream Pass allows passengers to stream movies and TV shows. 

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

ANA offers Wi-Fi on designated international flights that use B777-300ER and B767-300ER aircraft. Right now, this service is available on these specific planes, but the airline has big plans to expand. It is planning to roll out Wi-Fi on all B777-300ER aircraft and eventually on a number of B767-300ER planes as well. This means that more passengers will soon be able to stay connected while they’re up in the air.

How does Wi-Fi on airplanes work?

Ever wondered how you can use high-speed Wi-Fi while you're cruising at 30,000 feet? It’s actually pretty fascinating and involves some clever technology. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

• Air-to-ground antennas. The plane has antennas on its underside that connect to cell towers on the ground. The signal goes from the tower to the plane’s server and then to an onboard router, making the plane a flying hotspot. Air-to-ground connections work well over land but not over oceans. You can do basic stuff like checking emails, but streaming might be slow.

• Satellite antennas. The plane has antennas on top that connect to satellites in space. These satellites send the signal back to Earth and then to the plane. The signal goes through the onboard server and router to your device. This method works even over oceans and will work just fine if you want to perform more data-heavy tasks, like stream video services.

Inside the plane, routers distribute the Wi-Fi signal just like at home. This setup keeps you connected while you’re in the air. It’s a pretty cool way to stay online even when you’re flying high.

How to get Wi-Fi on airplanes

Now that you know how airplane Wi-Fi works, you might be wondering how you can get it on your next flight. That really depends on your airline. Most major carriers offer high-speed Wi-Fi, and more are starting to provide it. Check with your airline ahead of time to know what to expect so you don't have to wing it once you're on board.

Getting Wi-Fi on airplanes is similar to connecting to Wi-Fi anywhere else, but you should keep in mind a few specifics. Most airlines provide in-flight Wi-Fi that you can connect to once you're on board. However, some airlines have restrictions on data usage, so you might experience limits on how much data you can use during your flight.

How much is Wi-Fi on airplanes?

If you’re wondering about the cost of Wi-Fi on airplanes, it can vary quite a bit. You might pay as little as $2-$3 for a basic session or up to $50 if you want full-flight access or a bigger data plan. The price usually depends on the airline, how much data you need, and how long your flight is. 

If you fly a lot, some airlines may offer you a monthly subscription or an annual package that can save you money in the long run. It’s a great way to avoid paying every time you fly.

Before you board, check out the airline’s Wi-Fi pricing. Find out how much Wi-Fi on a plane will cost and whether you do have to pay for it or if any free options are available. Looking for deals or memberships could help keep your costs down and make your in-flight internet experience a bit easier on your wallet.

How to pay for Wi-Fi on an airplane

Paying for Wi-Fi on a plane is pretty straightforward, but it can differ a bit depending on the airline. Usually, you'll be able to get the details on how to purchase Wi-Fi on the airline's website or in a leaflet on your seat.

Generally, to get started, you’ll just have to connect to the airline’s Wi-Fi network. You’ll be sent to the airline’s Wi-Fi portal where you can pick a plan and pay with your credit or debit card. Some airlines let you handle payment through their mobile app or in-flight entertainment system, too. If you’re a frequent flyer, don’t forget to check if you can snag discounts or special packages.

Can you get free Wi-Fi on airplanes?

You can get Wi-Fi on airplanes for free, but it really depends on the airline and your ticket class. Sometimes free in-flight Wi-Fi comes included with your ticket or as a perk from a luxury airline. Many airlines offer complimentary Wi-Fi for business class passengers and frequent flyers. You might also find free Wi-Fi on select domestic flights with certain airlines. For flights within Europe, browsing and checking emails is usually free, but social media and streaming might cost extra.

It’s always smart to check with your airline before you fly so you know what’s available and if additional services cost extra.

How to stay connected when you land at your final destination

When you land at your final destination, staying connected is a breeze with the Saily eSIM app. It’s a hassle-free way for travelers to get affordable plans that fit their needs and budget. 

With just a few taps, you can install and activate your plan before your trip so you avoid expensive roaming charges and don’t have to juggle multiple SIM cards. The Saily eSIM service works in over 150 countries, so you can easily add new destinations without swapping physical SIMs. 

Skip the long lines and unreliable local options at airports or stations – just activate your data plan and get connected right away.

FAQ

Can you use your phone on a plane with Wi-Fi?

Absolutely! If the plane has Wi-Fi, you can connect your phone and browse the internet, check emails, or use messaging apps. Just make sure you're connected to the plane’s Wi-Fi network – personal hotspots or separate routers aren’t allowed on board due to interference issues.

Do low-cost airlines offer Wi-Fi?

Yes, even budget airlines are getting in on the Wi-Fi action. Vueling was actually one of the first low-cost carriers to offer in-flight internet. It has Wi-Fi on all its Airbus A320s flying transatlantic routes, which is pretty impressive for a budget airline.

And it’s not just Vueling. As of March 2024, Latvian airline airBaltic has started testing SpaceX’s Starlink internet system on its Airbus A220-300 planes. This move could mean even better connectivity on budget flights in the future. 

So while not every low-cost airline offers Wi-Fi just yet, the technology is definitely taking off in that direction. Keep an eye out, and you might find some decent in-flight internet on your next trip.

Can you text on a plane without Wi-Fi?

Unfortunately, no. Without Wi-Fi, you can't send or receive texts. Most in-flight texting services require you to be connected to the plane's Wi-Fi, so if it's not available, texting won’t work.

How good is Wi-Fi on planes?

In-flight Wi-Fi is generally pretty good for browsing and emailing, but its quality can vary. Sometimes you might hit data limits or experience slower speeds if lots of users have connected or if you're flying over remote areas. Streaming or heavy downloads might be trickier depending on the service.

Can you use your Wi-Fi router on a plane?

Nope, using your personal Wi-Fi router on a plane isn’t allowed. It could interfere with the plane’s communication systems, so you’ll need to stick with the airline’s Wi-Fi service. The airline will usually get everything set up to ensure a smooth connection without disruptions.

Is there Wi-Fi on private planes?

Yes, many private planes come with Wi-Fi. The quality and availability can vary depending on the plane and the service package. Some private jets offer top-notch connectivity, similar to what you’d find on commercial flights, so you can stay connected even while flying privately.

Is it worth getting Wi-Fi on a plane?

It depends on what you need. It can be very handy if you want to get work done, stay in touch with family, or just browse the web. However, if you're more of a relaxed traveler who doesn’t need to be online, you might skip it and enjoy the in-flight experience without the distraction.