Inflight WiFi guide: How much does it cost to stay connected?

Taking to the skies doesn’t have to mean going offline. Many airlines offer inflight WiFi, but the cost and quality varies greatly. 

If you’re wondering how much WiFi costs on a plane or what connection latency to expect, this guide explains how inflight WiFi works, which airlines offer it, and how you can save money while staying connected in the air.

How inflight WiFi works

Inflight WiFi can operate using two different technologies:

• Air-to-Ground (ATG) WiFi: With this system, the aircraft connects to nearby cell towers on the ground through antennas, providing internet access for passengers. Service may be inconsistent, especially over large bodies of water or remote areas.
• Satellite WiFi: This type of WiFI connects to satellites orbiting the Earth via a satellite dish on the plane. It offers more consistent and broader coverage, including over oceans. 

Airline WiFi availability and costs

Many airplanes offer WiFi, but availability and pricing depend on the airline and route. Here’s a breakdown of the airlines that have free WiFi.

American Airlines

American Airlines aircraft provide WiFi on most domestic and international flights. Prices vary by route, but monthly subscription plans are available for frequent travelers. WiFi passes start at around $10 per flight, and monthly plans cost about $49.95 for one device.

Delta Airlines

Delta offers free WiFi for unlimited devices on many domestic flights and select international routes through its service called DeltaSync. Paid plans are available for high-speed access. Passengers can also use free messaging services like iMessage and WhatsApp.

Iberia

Iberia offers WiFi on most of its planes. While using free WiFi, business class passengers, Iberia Plus members, and those who sign up during the flight can access messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. Browsing and email access are available for a fee, with prices varying depending on the route and aircraft type. You can purchase passes on board.

Etihad

Etihad Airways offers WiFi on most flights, though availability depends on the aircraft and route. Different WiFi packages are available—the "Surf" package provides unlimited WiFi for a fee, and the "Chat" package is free for Etihad Guest members and allows access to messaging apps.

Air Canada

Aeroplan members can enjoy free WiFi on most aircraft, including those within North America and to “Sun” destinations—Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. Non-members can purchase WiFi at a reduced rate. 

Air Canada provides both ATG and satellite WiFi options for hourly, flight duration, or monthly passes. Prices start at around $5 per hour or $21 for a full-flight pass.

Aeroméxico

Some Aeroméxico flights offer WiFi, but availability depends on the aircraft and route.

The 737 MAX provides WiFi for browsing, streaming music, and watching videos. Premier One passengers receive a coupon for two hours of free WiFi on domestic and international flights, excluding flights from the U.S. to Mexico.

Aeroméxico also offers a free messaging service for iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. WiFi availability varies by aircraft type, with satellite-based internet on some international flights. Prices range from $10 to $25, depending on flight duration and data usage.

Air China

Air China offers free WiFi on many of its aircraft. You can connect to WiFi using your electronic devices but only enjoy entertainment curated by Air China. You may need to register in advance for WiFi, and the service is often limited to Chinese websites and apps.

Air France

Most Air France aircraft offer WiFi, and you can purchase a WiFi pass to access the internet on your phone, tablet, or computer.

There are three WiFi pass options available: The Message Pass, which is free and allows you to use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, iMessage, and WeChat; the Surf Pass, which lets you browse the internet or check email for the duration of your flight or one hour; and the Stream Pass, which provides a faster connection for browsing and watching movies and shows.

Air France recommends paying with a credit card instead of redeeming miles to preserve their value. WiFi passes range from $3 for the basic plan to $18 for full-flight access.

British Airways

British Airways offers WiFi on most long-haul flights, with most aircraft now connected. 

There are two WiFi packages: one for messaging and one for streaming and browsing. Messaging is free for Executive Club members, with non-members paying between $4.99 and $9.99 depending on the flight. The streaming package ranges from $9.99 to $35.99, depending on the flight duration.

Emirates

Emirates offers WiFi on all flights: Emirates Skywards members (first class) and Gold and Silver members (business or first class) receive complimentary access. Platinum members also get free WiFi in any cabin class.

Economy passengers can purchase WiFi packages ranging from $3 for messaging to $20 for unlimited use.

How to save on inflight WiFi

Most international flights on major carriers have WiFi. While inflight services often come at a cost, there are ways to get WiFi for free or at a discount:

• Fly with airlines offering free WiFi: Some airlines provide free WiFi on flights, while others offer complimentary access to premium passengers only.
• Use a credit card with WiFi perks: Travel credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card and certain Chase Sapphire cards, offer free or discounted inflight WiFi as a benefit.
• Join airline loyalty programs: Many airlines offer free or discounted WiFi to frequent flyer members. For example, Alaska Airlines provides free messaging for Mileage Plan members.
• Check for free messaging plans: Some airlines allow free use of messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage without purchasing a WiFi plan.
• Buy a WiFi pass in advance: Some airlines, like United and Southwest, offer prepaid WiFi passes that are often cheaper than onboard purchases.
• Look for bundled travel perks: Mobile carriers such as T-Mobile and Sprint offer their customers free inflight WiFi on select airlines. Check with your provider to see if you're eligible.
• Use day passes for unlimited access: If you have multiple flights in one day, consider purchasing a day pass from providers like Gogo. This allows unlimited use across flights at a lower price than buying WiFi per connection.
• Take advantage of business travel benefits: Check if your company provides inflight WiFI access through a corporate travel program.

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FAQ

Does using airplane WiFi drain my battery faster?

Yes, using inflight WiFi can drain your device’s battery more quickly. Airplane WiFi constantly searches for a stable connection, which increases power consumption. 

Additionally, streaming content, holding video calls, or downloading large files while using WiFi can put extra strain on your battery. To conserve power, lower your screen brightness, close unused apps, and enable airplane mode with WiFi turned on. Carrying a portable charger or using in-seat power outlets (if available) can also help keep your device charged throughout the flight.

Why is airplane WiFi sometimes slow or unreliable?

Inflight WiFi relies on either ATG signals or satellites, both of which have limitations. When using ATG WiFi, the aircraft has to stay within range of cell towers, which can lead to interruptions over remote areas or large bodies of water. Satellite-based WiFi offers broader coverage but may be affected by weather conditions or network congestion. 

Additionally, many passengers using the same network simultaneously can slow down speeds. To improve your connection, try using WiFi during non-peak times (like early in the flight), avoid streaming large files, and refresh your connection if it seems sluggish.

Can I use a VPN while connected to airplane WiFi?

Yes, but it may not always work. Some airlines block VPN access to manage bandwidth and prevent security concerns. If you need a VPN for work or personal security, test it before your flight and choose a lightweight, high-speed VPN that won’t slow your connection. 

Even if your VPN connects, inflight WiFi speeds may still limit performance. If security is a concern, avoid logging into sensitive accounts and wait until you have a more stable connection when you land.