Can you get internet access on flights?

In the not-so-distant past, air travel meant a complete disconnect from the outside world. Passengers were confined to the entertainment options provided by the airline and had no means to communicate with the ground. However, the landscape of in-flight connectivity has transformed dramatically in recent years. With the advent of advanced satellite technology and the increasing demand for constant connectivity, many airlines now offer in-flight Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stay connected even at cruising altitudes.

How In-Flight Wi-Fi Works

In-flight Wi-Fi typically operates via two primary technologies: air-to-ground (ATG) and satellite-based systems.

1. Air-to-Ground (ATG): This system uses ground-based cell towers to transmit signals to aircraft. As the plane flies, it connects to different towers along its route. While ATG provides relatively fast internet speeds, it is limited to flights over land and cannot be used during oceanic flights.
2. Satellite-Based Systems: These systems use satellites orbiting the Earth to provide internet connectivity. The plane's antennas communicate with these satellites, allowing for continuous coverage even over oceans and remote areas. While satellite-based Wi-Fi can be more expensive and slower compared to ATG, advancements in technology are continually improving speed and reducing costs. Today, as costs become more manageable, some airlines even offer free in-flight Wi-Fi.

Availability of In-Flight Wi-Fi

Not all airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, and those that do may provide varying levels of service. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Availability by Airline: Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, United, and Emirates offer Wi-Fi on most of their flights. Budget carriers like Southwest and JetBlue also provide inflight Wi-Fi, sometimes even for free. But even for airlines that do offer in-flight Wi-Fi, it might not actually be offered on all their aircrafts. Older aircraft will typically not be equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi capabilities. Check with your airline if in-flight Wi-Fi is offered on your flight.
2. Speed and Reliability: The speed and reliability of in-flight Wi-Fi can vary greatly. Generally, Wi-Fi speeds on flights are sufficient for browsing, emailing, and messaging, but streaming high-definition video or downloading large files might be challenging. It is also important to note that as you are traveling across the world, there will be blackout areas where you might not get any connection.

Airlines Offering Free In-Flight Wi-Fi

Here are some major airlines that are known for offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to their passengers. If you are not sure if the airline that you are flying offers free in-flight Wi-Fi, you can check their websites for more information.

1. JetBlue: Known for its complimentary Fly-Fi service on all domestic flights, JetBlue provides free Wi-Fi to all passengers.
2. Norwegian Air: Offers free Wi-Fi on its European flights, with premium access available for streaming.
3. Qatar Airways: Provides free Wi-Fi for the first hour of use on its flights, with the option to purchase additional time.
4. Turkish Airlines: Offers free Wi-Fi for business class passengers and Miles&Smiles Elite members.
5. Singapore Airlines: Provides free Wi-Fi for all KrisFlyer members.
6. Emirates: Provides free Wi-Fi for all Emirates Skywards members.
7. Cathay Pacific: Provides free Wi-Fi for all first-class passengers.
8. Air New Zealand: Offers free Wi-Fi to all passengers on flights that are equipped with inflight Wi-Fi.
9. Delta Airlines: Delta offers free Wi-Fi to SkyMiles members on selected routes and Wi-Fi equipped aircrafts.
10. Lufthansa: Lufthansa offers free Wi-Fi to all first-class passengers on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft

Cost of In-Flight Wi-Fi

If you are not eligible to enjoy free Wi-Fi, or if the airline that you are flying does not offer free Wi-Fi, most airlines also provide the option to purchase in-flight Wi-Fi on select aircraft and routes.

However, it is important to note that the cost of in-flight connectivity is not cheap, so you might want to be selective about what you use it for.

In the event that you are buying in-flight Wi-Fi, remember to switch off all automatic app updates and background sync to conserve your data allowance!

Get a Nomad travel eSIM to stay connected on your next trip

Aside from getting internet connectivity on board, it is also very important for you to be able to stay connected at your destination after arrival! And, staying connected while overseas doesn’t have to be expensive.

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

Add-ons are also available for Nomad’s eSIMs, so you do not need to worry about running out of data. If you notice that you are running low on data, simply purchase an add-on before your data pack runs out. The add-on data pack will be automatically activated when the base plan runs out, so you do not have to worry about having to install a new eSIM.

If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will be able to enjoy $7 off their first purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more). You will also be able to enjoy $7 off your next purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more).