Is Wi-Fi available on the flight?

What is In-Flight Wi-Fi?

In-flight Wi-Fi is a service offered by airlines that allows you to use your personal electronic devices to access the internet while on an airplane. This service is generally provided through an on-board router that connects to the internet via satellite or air-to-ground communications.

It’s a way to keep yourself entertained, up-to-date, and productive while high above the ground. The usage of Wi-Fi service varies across airlines - some airlines provide the service free while others charge a fee.

Availability of Wi-Fi in flights

Not all flights offer Wi-Fi services. It depends on the airline services and the type of aircraft. Some airlines offer free Wi-Fi on all flights, some on international only, and some not at all. Wi-Fi is more common on flights operated by major airlines and on long-haul flights, but this service is not a standard yet and is still considered an additional feature.

You can often check if Wi-Fi is available on your flight by going to the airline's website, as most airlines will list Wi-Fi availability alongside other flight details. Or alternatively, you can ask the airline directly.

The functionality of In-flight Wi-Fi

In-flight Wi-Fi may not be as fast as what you’re used to at home or at the office. Right now, browsing the web, checking emails, and sending messages is typically possible. However, streaming videos or playing online games may not work as well because the bandwidth in-flight Wi-Fi offers can't handle such tasks.

Some airlines also offer the option to use Wi-Fi for inflight entertainment systems. These systems can be accessed using your own devices and offer a range of movies, TV shows, and music for the duration of your flight.

Future of In-flight Wi-Fi

Despite the issues, business and leisure flyers alike see in-flight connectivity as an important feature. With airlines now more focused on improving the quality of the services they provide, there's no doubt that the in-flight Wi-Fi service will only improve in the following years.

Airlines are making huge steps to make Wi-Fi a standard amenity on their flights. It’s just a matter of time before we see more airlines offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to their passengers.