In-Flight WiFi & Entertainment Guide 2026

In-Flight WiFi & Entertainment Guide 2026 | Click Travel Tips

WiFi Provider Comparison

Provider	Speed	Coverage	Airlines
Starlink (SpaceX)	100+ Mbps	Global	United (rolling out), Hawaiian Airlines, JSX
Viasat	25-50 Mbps	Global	JetBlue, American, United (some)
Inmarsat GX	15-30 Mbps	Global	Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa
Gogo 2Ku	15-25 Mbps	Global	Delta, American, Air Canada
Gogo ATG	3-10 Mbps	US/Canada only	Older US domestic planes

* Speeds are approximate and vary by aircraft, route, and network congestion. Starlink offers the fastest speeds currently available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about in-flight WiFi and entertainment

How much does airplane WiFi cost?

Prices vary widely: $5-10 for messaging-only plans, $8-20 for browsing on domestic flights, $15-30 for full-flight international WiFi. Monthly passes cost $50-70 for frequent flyers. Some airlines (JetBlue, Norwegian, Turkish) offer free WiFi. Premium cabins often include complimentary WiFi. Speeds range from 3-15 Mbps for browsing to 25+ Mbps for streaming on newer aircraft.

Can I stream Netflix or YouTube on airplane WiFi?

It depends on the aircraft and WiFi system. Newer planes with satellite WiFi (Viasat, Starlink) support streaming at 25-100 Mbps. Older air-to-ground systems are too slow (3-10 Mbps) for reliable streaming. Some airlines block streaming services to preserve bandwidth. Check if your airline offers 'streaming-capable WiFi' before relying on it. Download content before your flight as backup.

Is airplane WiFi secure?

No, in-flight WiFi is not secure by default. Treat it like public WiFi at a coffee shop. Always use a VPN to encrypt your connection, especially for banking or sensitive work. Avoid entering passwords or credit card info without HTTPS. Hackers can intercept unencrypted data on shared networks. Free VPNs work, but paid options (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) are faster and more reliable.

Do all airlines offer in-flight entertainment?

No. Full-service international carriers (Emirates, Singapore, Qatar) have extensive IFE systems with 100+ movies, TV shows, games, and live TV. US domestic carriers vary—Delta and United have seatback screens on most planes, while Southwest relies on streaming to personal devices. Budget airlines (Ryanair, Spirit) typically have no IFE. Always download entertainment before boarding budget or short-haul flights.

Can I use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?

Yes, most airlines now allow Bluetooth devices in airplane mode. However, many seatback entertainment systems don't support Bluetooth—you'll need wired headphones or a Bluetooth adapter. Bring a 3.5mm headphone jack adapter if using wireless headphones. Some newer aircraft (United, Delta) have Bluetooth-enabled IFE systems. Always carry wired backup headphones for compatibility.

How do I connect to airplane WiFi?

Enable airplane mode, then turn WiFi back on. Select the airline's network (e.g., 'DeltaWiFi', 'United_WiFi'). Open a browser—you'll be redirected to the payment portal. Purchase a plan or enter your frequent flyer number if WiFi is complimentary. Some airlines require downloading their app first. Connection usually activates 10-15 minutes after takeoff and disconnects before landing.

Which airlines have the best WiFi?

JetBlue (free Viasat WiFi, 25+ Mbps), Delta (free for SkyMiles members on most flights), United (Starlink rollout in progress, fast speeds), Emirates (unlimited free WiFi in all cabins), and Qatar Airways (free WiFi, good speeds). Worst: Spirit, Frontier, and many European budget carriers with no WiFi or slow, expensive options. Check WiFi availability before booking long flights.

Can I make phone calls on airplane WiFi?

Technically yes via WiFi calling or apps like WhatsApp, but most airlines prohibit voice calls to avoid disturbing passengers. Texting and messaging apps are allowed and encouraged. Some international carriers (Emirates, Etihad) allow calls but charge premium rates. Use headphones and speak quietly if permitted. Violating call policies can result in warnings or removal from future flights.

What's the difference between satellite and air-to-ground WiFi?

Satellite WiFi (Viasat, Inmarsat, Starlink) works globally, including over oceans, with speeds of 12-100+ Mbps. Air-to-ground (Gogo ATG) only works over land, has slower speeds (3-10 Mbps), and can't stream. Satellite is better for international flights and streaming. Check your aircraft type—newer planes have satellite, older domestic planes use ATG. Starlink (SpaceX) is the fastest, rolling out on United, Hawaiian, and JSX.

Are there free alternatives to paid airplane WiFi?

Limited options: JetBlue offers free WiFi on all flights. Delta provides free messaging (iMessage, WhatsApp) and free WiFi for SkyMiles members. Turkish Airlines has free WiFi. Some airlines offer free WiFi to elite status holders or premium cabin passengers. Otherwise, download content before flying: Netflix, Spotify, Kindle books, podcasts. Offline maps (Google Maps) work without WiFi.

WiFi & Entertainment

Pro Tip: Download Before You Fly

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Frequently Asked Questions

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