Until recently, it was normal to have an inflight experience with no internet connection. Flying onboard would literally mean just switching off your phones and waiting until it’s time to disembark. Passengers would have to entertain themselves by reading books, napping, or watching the limited selection of movies on the airline’s entertainment system.
But ever since the advancement of digital technology, most airlines are now providing internet facilities on their flights. This change allows passengers to post about their travel on social media, complete pending office work, or connect with special ones during their flight time. But the question persists: How airplane Wi-Fi works? Read this blog and find out exactly how!
How Airlines Provide Internet Connection Up in the Air!
Planes use a special antenna, often located on the fuselage, that helps in sending and receiving data signals. It turns on features like in-flight Wi-Fi by connecting to satellites or ground-based cellular towers. And just like that, passengers are able to access the internet while airborne. Yes, as easy as that! Understanding “How does airplane WiFi work?” is not rocket science!
For a further breakdown, the airlines use two types of popular systems that facilitate the flow of internet connection through the planes and make it accessible to passengers.
Air-to-ground (ATG)
The ATG system works similarly to how your phone connects to the towers on the ground. With the installed antenna on the buttom of the plane, the airline can communicate with ground-based towers and provide internet access to its passengers. There is no reliance on satellites alone, like there is in some remote areas. Also, it’s essentially the same operating system as your regular mobile phone network; the only difference is that it is adapted to suit inflight internet requirements.
Since there are not enough cell towers in remote areas, such as deserts or over oceans, Air-to-Ground connection becomes accessible only when you are flying over land. Passengers can also experience occasional connection drops here and there in certain regions as well.
Usually, the Wi-Fi speed is slow at 3 Mbps, but it’s more than enough for checking emails or texting your loved ones. Unfortunately, it will not uphold activities that require a lot of data, such as watching videos or uploading large files.
Satellite
The satellite operating system uses the antenna attached to the top of the plane and connects to satellites in space. This enables a good internet connection for passengers, even when traveling over oceans or desert areas. However, since the signal has to travel a long distance to reach a satellite, passengers might notice delays in response time.
Ku-Band” and “Ka-Band” are different frequency ranges used in satellite operating systems. The latter operates at a much higher frequency than Ku-Band (26.5-40 GHz vs 12-18 GHz). This simply means that Ka-Band provides significantly more available bandwidth for data transmission, resulting in faster internet speed.
T Mobile Airplane WiFi Connection
A T-Mobile In-Flight Connection, often called the “T Mobile Airplane WiFi,” gives access to free internet to T-Mobile customers on selected domestic and international flights by connecting to the airline’s Wi-Fi network mid-air. At present, eligible passengers are getting this service with compatible airlines, such as Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, and more. In order to use it, make sure your device is in airplane mode, turn on Wi-Fi, and select the airline’s network. After that, log in using your T-Mobile phone number to verify eligibility.
Inflight Wi-Fi Availability & Fees of Major US Airlines
Many airlines in the United States provide inflight internet connection to passengers at varying costs and with different subscriptions. In most cases, the airline partners with companies that offer in-flight internet connectivity (in most cases, it is Viasat or Gogo, or both). We have taken into account some of the major carriers and discussed their Wi-Fi availability and fees.
Delta Airlines
Delta WiFi Connect is accessible on all of its planes, using two different satellite internet providers: Viasat and Gogo. Plus, the airline is consistently updating its fleet to provide updated features and high-speed satellite Wi-Fi on a growing number of its aircraft. As a result, Delta is now providing high-speed internet connection on the following aircraft:
- Viasat Ka-band on the chosen Airbus A321, Boeing 737-900, and Boeing 757-200.
- Gogo’s 2Ku satellite internet system picked Boeing’s 737 and 757 series and Airbus’ A220, A319, A320, A321, A330-900, and A350.
- Gogo Ku standard internet connectivity on Airbus’ A330-200/300, selected Boeing 757-200s, and 767-300/400 (international flights).
- Lastly, it offers ATG internet service on CRJ-700/900, E170/175, and 717.
Though free Wi-Fi service is available on 90% of domestic flights for SkyMiles members. Just like most of the carriers in the list below, the airline levies Delta internet charges for the airline’s inflight subscription, which are as follows:
| Subscription Options | Cost | Additional Information |
| Onboard Messaging | Free | Travelers can use iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. |
| Purchased North America Day Pass in Advance. | $16 | Once the pass is activated, passengers can use it continuously for 24 hours across North American flights equipped with Wifi. |
| Pre-purchased Global Day Pass | $28 | After activating the pass, passengers can use it non-stop on multiple flights worldwide. |
| Global Pass Monthly Subscription | $69 | This is a monthly subscription, enabling passengers to use the pass unlimited times on North American and international flights. |
| Monthly Subscription Plan for North America | $49 PM | Passengers can use this pass unlimitedly for a month on North American flights. |
| Annual Subscription Plan for North America | $599 PY | Passengers can use this pass unlimitedly for a year on North American flights. |
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Air WiFi is offered through a satellite-based network for most of its North American flights, allowing streaming, browsing, and chatting on board. While on board, passengers can simply connect to the Wi-Fi network and check out the available options. As for the internet speed, it is fast enough that you can stream high-bandwidth applications like Netflix, Hulu, or Xfinity.
The connectivity is almost similar to what you use on the ground! Reading all these features must have got you thinking, “How much is wifi on Alaska Airlines?” Well, the airline provides all this for only $8 on most flights. The following fleet is equipped with the streaming-fast Wi-Fi connectivity:
- Boeing 737 MAX
- Boeing 737-900ERs
- Selected Boeing 737-900
- Boeing 737-00s
- Embraer E175s
Alaska Airlines is also offering a basic connectivity option on board, which helps you keep up with important emails, web browsing, and online shopping. However, this does not include streaming and downloading large files. Additionally, this service is not available on flights flying to Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, or parts of Alaska. Passengers can purchase it for $8 on E175 planes, but the same can cost up to $24.99 on 737s.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue WiFi is known as the Fly-Fi service, which the Viasat satellite internet company provides. As for the cost of the connectivity, JetBlue provides high-speed Wi-Fi for FREE at every seat and on its entire fleet. Passengers can browse, purchase, scroll through social media, stream, or listen to their favorite music on a loop from takeoff to the moment they touch the ground again.
Every jet of JetBlue is equipped with a free, high-speed internet facility. However, passengers may experience the unavailability of this service on some flights flying outside the continental United States (except for Europe and the UK). Also, due to bad weather and other uncontrollable factors, the mentioned coverage area does not guarantee service availability all the time.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines wireless internet service is provided by a third-party connectivity service provider called Thales. The airline offers a fast Wi-Fi experience to ensure passengers are connected to their social presence and loved ones. This affordable service allows travelers to stream their favorite shows, movies, and games and scroll through social media on their personal devices. The service is available on most flights, but there are exceptions for some routes in the Caribbean Islands and Central and South America.
Wondering how much Spirit Airlines’ FlytLIVE costs? The airline provides affordable pricing options starting at just $5.99 for every flight with flexible payment methods. Passengers can even pre-purchase it while booking their flight; just look for the Wi-Fi symbol.
Passengers now don’t have to wait for their flight to take off to use their purchased internet service—Spirit Airlines now provides gate-to-gate connectivity!
Malaysia Airlines
The internet service available on Malaysia Airlines’ flights is known as MHConnect, provided by Viasat. Passengers can enjoy unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi service for messaging and accessing social media apps. The airline is on its mission to provide a fully internet-equipped fleet soon, but at present, the service is available on all A350s and selected planes of A330s. Stay connected to the internet, check the latest news, or work from the sky, no matter what travel class you are flying.
On the other hand, connecting to the Wi-Fi service is super easy! As soon as you board, make sure the ‘Airplane mode” is turned on before take-off. When the plane reaches the cruising altitude, go to your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the “MHConnect” network. Just follow the on-screen instructions and enjoy the unlimited internet access.
Perhaps you are questioning, “Does Malaysian Airlines wifi cost? No, the MHConnect service is provided for free to all the passengers on the selected fleet.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways inflight WiFi service is called the “Etihad Wi-Fly,” which is powered by AeroMobile Communications Ltd. The availability of this service is provided on all flights except for A320 and A321 aircraft. Wi-Fi packages are available for purchase on board the aircraft after the seatbelt signs are off.
- Chat Package: This package is free for all Etihad Guest members. However, it costs around $2.99 for other passengers with under 7-hour flight durations and $4.99 for flights over 7 hours. With this offer, passengers get popular messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage. However, this does not support sending any images or videos.
- Surf Package: If your intentions are more than just chatting, try the airline’s Surf package. Under this, you will get unlimited access to the internet, and you can surf the web as you like. Whether it is about completing pending tasks or learning more about your destination, you can do it all with Etihad Airways’ internet surf offer available from $9.99. If you hold a Platinum or Diamond Tier membership, then it’s FREE for you! Gold Tier members can get a 25% discount on the price.
Virgin Atlantic
The Virgin Atlantic wireless internet service is provided on every flight, but the connectivity service provider depends on the aircraft; typically, it’s either Viasat or Gogo. So, you can stay in touch with the news on the ground, check those emails, and connect easily to the web while airborne. Since the WiFi provider changes according to plane type, expect to experience changes in service, packages, and prices depending on the plane you are on.
We’d like to bring to your notice that the network is delivered by satellites as the plane flies at 600 miles per hour; the speed and coverage can be more variable than the internet service you have at home.
Once you are connected to Virgin Atlantic’s onboard internet after takeoff, you must put your phone on flight mode. Make sure the WiFi is enabled in order to connect to the inflight network. After that, you will be automatically redirected to the virgin-atlantic-wifi.com website, where you can browse and purchase a package according to your needs and wants.
British Airways
British Airways free wifi is available for Executive Club members and customers traveling in first class cabins. For the rest of the passengers, the airline levies charges depending on the duration of the flight they are on. All in all, passengers can connect with the World Wide Web easily, work on their business tasks, or just scroll down on social media platforms right from the comfort of their seat mid-air.
The airline is providing Wi-Fi service on both long and short-haul flights, and most of the planes are now fully equipped. For this, the available packages are as follows:
- Messaging Package: This is for those who want to stay linked to their friends, family, and colleagues via messaging applications and text-based emails (excluding those with attachments). The service charges look something like this:
| Flight and Membership Type | Applicable Charges |
| Executive Club Members | Completely FREE |
| Non-members on long-haul flights | Starting from £1.99 to £2.99 |
| non-members on long-haul flights | Starting from £2.99 to £4.99 |
- Stream Package: As the name suggests, this package allows you to use instant messaging applications, along with access to web and social media platforms. You can send and download larger email attachments and listen to music in real time over the internet. Its prices are:
| Flight and Membership Type | Applicable Charges |
| Customers Traveling in First Class | Completely FREE |
| Passengers on short-haul flights | Starting from £4.99 to £11.99 |
| Passengers on long-haul flights | Starting from £4.99 to £21.99 |
According to your type of connectivity, you can choose whatever package suits your needs. Take the following table as an example:
| Type of Connectivity | Suitable Package |
| Sending instant texts | Messaging and Browse & Stream |
| When you want to send and receive emails without any attachments. | Messaging and Browse & Stream |
| When you want to send and receive emails with attachments. | Browse & Stream Package only |
| Browse the web and social media. | Browse & Stream Package only |
| Stream music, video content, and films. | Browse & Stream Package only |
Austrian Airlines
The Deutsche Telekom AG provides wifi on Austrian Airlines and allows travelers to stay connected with the ground even in the air. Whether you want to keep track of important emails, stay in touch with your loved ones, or remain in contact with digital platforms, the Austrian FlyNet service packages are designed according to your needs.
Currently, the airline is providing internet access on chosen shot and medium-haul flights, including the Dreamliner fleet. You have the option to book this service in advance through the official website or buy it after you board the plane and get connected. Additionally, the FlyNet app is designed to save passengers’ details, which allows you to surf faster on your next flight.
Have a closer look at the FlyNet packages if you wish to buy internet for your upcoming flight:
- FlyNet Messaging: Maintain connection with your loved ones by using messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage) to send them texts, make calls, or video chat, essentially keeping up with their lives even when you’re not physically together.
Stay in touch with your friends and family via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage.
| Flight and Membership Type | Applicable Charges |
| Travel ID and Miles & More members: | FREE |
| Passengers with no status | EUR 3 or 1,000 miles |
| The internet speed is up to 150 kBit/s | |
- FlyNet Premium: This WiFi internet service is suitable for scrolling social media, surfing the internet, streaming music and video, and using VPN services.
| Flight Duration | Price |
| Flight duration up to 90 minutes | EUR 6 or 2,000 miles |
| For flights with a total duration of more than 90 minutes | EUR 8 or 2,600 miles |
| The internet speed will be up to 4 MBit/s. | |
Passengers can benefit from free and unlimited messaging on Drealinerfleet during their entire flight through the FlyNet portal.
United Airlines
United Airlines will soon offer free internet service using Starlink, which is a satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The airline mentioned starting the testing for the Starlink network in early 2025. At present, it is offering in-flight internet from other providers that also includes ViaSat and Panasonic. Access to this service is $8 for loyalty program members and $10 for everyone else on domestic and short-haul international flights. For remaining flights, the prices vary according to the selected destination and the duration of the flight.
The United Airlines WiFi day pass is free of cost and a limited-time service that allows eligible passengers to access the airline’s internet server for only one day. However, for MileagePlus members, it is available for their entire trip. This pass is valid and can be used on United or United Express flights that fly within the selected region and subscription period. Unfortunately, it does not include any streaming services.
Aer Lingus
Passengers connected to the WiFi Aer Lingus can stay connected to what’s happening on the ground and send texts to their family and friends while flying on the following aircraft:
- A330 aircraft (Wi-Fi, text, and data included)
- A321neoLR and XLR aircraft (Wi-Fi only)
Connecting to the server is even easier! Just turn on your phone’s WiFi, launch the browser, and purchase the suitable data option. When you are linked to the network, you can browse online, send emails, text the one you love, and surf the internet as you fly across the Atlantic. If you are connecting via a mobile network, simply connect to the AeroMobile network to use the data or send messages.
As for the data plans, you can choose from the given options according to your usage and needs:
| Data Plan | Applicable Charges | Additional Information |
| Chat for an hour | €3.49 / $3.99 / £2.99 | Use this plan to stay connected to your family and friends through the instant messaging apps. |
| Keep Chatting | €5.99 / $6.99 / £4.99 | Same as the “Chat for an hour” option, but not time-limited anymore. You can chat throughout your flight journey. |
| Stay Connected | €13.49 / $16.49 / £11.99 | This plan is curated for those who want to browse the web or stay connected to social media platforms. |
| Don’t Miss a Thing | €20.49 / $24.99 / £17.99 | This includes everything, from web browsing to sending important work emails and shopping. |
Norwegian Airlines
Connect to wifi on Norwegian Airlines flights and stay linked in the skies throughout your journey. The service is provided on almost all WiFi-equipped planes, with the exception of their Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. Plus, there is no need to wait for the flight to take off; you can access the network as soon as you board the flight.
Every passenger gets to access the internet for free for up to 15 minutes of their air journey, suitable for sending emails and texting. However, if you want more than just chatting, upgrade to something faster than the free plan, the high-speed Wi-Fi option.
| Wi-Fi Plan Type | Access Time | Additional Details |
| SURF | 15 minutes | Standard internet speed.Ideal for sending texts and emails and accessing messaging apps. |
| STREAM LIMITED | 30 or 60 minutes | Premium quality internet speed. Usage is dependent on the length of the flight taken. Suitable for streaming, social media, and surfing. |
| STREAM UNLIMITED | Duration of the flight. | Premium quality internet speed. Good for streaming, social media, and surfing. |
Questions You May Have:
Technically, hotspots can work on planes, but only when you are connected to the airline’s inflight internet network.
No. Passengers cannot and are prohibited from using their mobile data on the plane because it can interfere with the aircraft’s navigation systems.
Passengers have to turn off their mobile data and switch to airplane mode, then connect and activate the airline’s WiFi network.
Your phone’s airplane mode disables cellular connection but still lets you connect to the airline’s inflight internet network when activated.
Yes. Most commercial airplanes now come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, providing passengers with inflight internet services while airborne.
Most airlines provide internet service through a satellite connection, implying that the plane’s antenna communicates with the satellite in space.
No. The British Airways free wifi service is provided only to Executive Club members and passengers flying in first-class cabins.
ATG Wi-Fi system fails to provide internet access over the ocean due to not enough cell towers. However, satellite-based airplane Wi-Fi works better over the sea.
Airplane Wi-Fi is expensive because of the high cost of setting up and maintaining the infrastructure required to send and receive the network.
The speed of the internet in planes is typically much slower than home internet, with an average download speed of around 5-15 Mbps.
Not all the time. Some airlines, like Etihad, Aer Lingus, Austrian Airlines, Spirit Airlines, etc., charge fees depending on the ticket, membership, and flight duration.
JetBlue is the only airline in the United States that provides onboard internet service free to all passengers regardless of ticket class and membership tier.
Yes. Many airlines, such as United Airlines and Delta, provide internet accessibility on international flights.
The cost of Wi-Fi on a plane typically ranges from $8 to $10 per flight, depending on the airline. Some even offer free basic plans for a limited flight duration.
