Passenger Wi-Fi on airplanes

Wi-Fi on airplanes or also called in-flight Wi-Fi is a service that provides wireless Internet to passengers on an airplane during a flight. Since 2004, numerous airlines have integrated this system into their in-flight entertainment offerings, having developed the necessary technical capabilities to implement it. The range of in-flight services offered by airlines varies significantly. Some airlines provide completely free and unlimited access, while others may offer complimentary service exclusively for instant messaging, with additional fees for other services or navigation packages during the flight. Market research specialized in customer behavior indicates that this service can influence a passenger's choice of airline, positioning it as a new competitive factor within the passenger air transport industry.

An aircraft offering in-flight Wi-Fi in the passenger cabin in 2016

History

As of January 15, 2003, Lufthansa, the German airline, became the first airline globally to provide in-flight Internet service to its passengers, following a series of preliminary tests and through an alliance with Connexion by Boeing, which began developing in-flight Internet connections using Ethernet and 802.11 WI-FI. The inaugural commercial flight featuring this service operated from Frankfurt Airport to Washington Dulles, in the United States, aboard the airline's Boeing "Sachsen-Anhalt" aircraft. In 2001, U.S. airlines suspended all Wi-Fi services as a security measure implemented in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

In December 2013, JetBlue became the first airline in the United States to offer free Wi-Fi on some of its domestic flights.

Technical considerations

Wi-Fi internet service is typically available during the flight, although it is deactivated during takeoff and landing. It is essential to keep airplane mode activated to avoid interference with the aircraft's communication systems. Passengers can connect to the Wi-Fi service through a designated airplane hotspot. The speed and coverage of the Internet connection during the flight may vary based on the specific system utilized by the airline. The service is provided through a public network, which carries certain privacy considerations. Therefore, security experts consistently recommend implementing precautions such as utilizing antivirus software and VPNs, in addition to other security measures when using this network.

The optional use of Wi-Fi on personal devices by travelers is enabling airlines to eliminate in-seat screens, resulting in energy savings and reduced aircraft weight.

Charges for use

Unlike the Internet service provided at airports, which is mostly free of charge, each airline determines its own fees associated with the use of Wi-Fi during a flight, which can vary from free and unlimited access to charges for data packages or daily passes for browsing. As of 2024, the airlines providing complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi service are:

Without loyalty membership

• JetBlue (free and unlimited since 2013)
• Norwegian Airlines (unlimited for standard Wi-Fi, there is an additional charge for premium Wi-Fi with higher speed)
• Philippines Airlines (10 MB for economy class, 100 MB for business class)
• Air New Zealand (since October 2017)
• Malaysia Airlines (from 2023 for all classes)
• Hawaiian Airlines (service provided by Starlink since September 2024)

With loyalty membership

These airlines allow free access to Wi-Fi on board for passengers who have previously signed up for a loyalty program, such as a frequent-flyer program:

• Emirates
• Singapore Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Delta Airlines
• Turkish Airlines

See also

• Passenger Wi-Fi on subway trains