Do I get Wi-Fi on a plane?

Consider the cost The good news is that Wi-Fi on planes is not only getting better but less expensive as well. You might even get it for free. For instance, JetBlue offers free Fly-Fi on all of its flights, and certain airlines offer elite members free Wi-Fi.



In 2026, in-flight Wi-Fi has become a standard expectation rather than a luxury, with many airlines now offering high-speed, satellite-based connectivity. Carriers like ZIPAIR and Hawaiian Airlines have led the way by offering free Starlink-powered Wi-Fi to all passengers, providing "on-the-ground" speeds capable of streaming and video calls. Air Canada and Delta have also significantly expanded their free Wi-Fi offerings, often tying access to their loyalty programs (like Aeroplan or SkyMiles). Even on airlines that still charge for data, "Free Messaging" (for apps like WhatsApp and iMessage) is now provided by almost every major global carrier. However, availability still depends on the specific aircraft and the route; for instance, many long-haul international flights are still in the process of being retrofitted with the newest satellite hardware throughout 2026. While "Airplane Mode" is still required for cellular signals, the days of being "disconnected" while flying are rapidly ending, with "gate-to-gate" connectivity becoming the new industry benchmark.

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Pricing. On U.S. domestic and short-haul international flights, like those to Mexico and Canada, Wi-Fi is $8, or 800 miles, for MileagePlus® members and $10 for everyone else. For all other flights, prices depend on where you're headed and how long your flight is.

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You can't make phone calls on a plane using cellular service, as using cellular service for any reason isn't permitted. WiFi calls may be allowed, though that's at the discretion of the airline, as it impacts passenger comfort.

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Can I text on an airplane? Yes, but only using a Wi-Fi connection. The ban on using a cellular connection means passengers can't send SMS texts. Any communication has to be over Wi-Fi with a messaging app that provides similar functionality like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Viber.

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Usually Wi-Fi can be purchased prior to your flight or while on-board, and is limited to a single device. Similar to personal televisions in the seat back, Wi-Fi is often disabled during takeoff and landing to ensure passenger focus and safety. But in-flight Wi-Fi is also often tiered.

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To access the content, passengers simply use their own mobile phones, tablet or laptops to connect to the local wi-fi network created onboard by the AirFi hardware.

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JetBlue and Delta are currently at the top of the crop when it comes to their in-flight Wi-Fi offerings.

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According to Smarter Travel, by not turning your phone onto airplane mode, your phone will attempt to make connections with the cell towers around it. Forbes reported, “If you don't put your phone on airplane mode during a flight, your phone will probably annoy a few pilots and air traffic controllers.”

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In the United States, it's required to switch your phone to airplane mode. But it's not because the plane will crash if you don't. According to Smarter Travel, by not turning your phone onto airplane mode, your phone will attempt to make connections with the cell towers around it.

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Can I text on an airplane? Yes, but only using a Wi-Fi connection. The ban on using a cellular connection means passengers can't send SMS texts. Any communication has to be over Wi-Fi with a messaging app that provides similar functionality like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Viber.

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If you're wondering if you can watch Netflix on a plane, the answer is yes – with the right setup. You can download movies and TV shows in advance to watch on your device without an internet connection. When flying, you should put your device in airplane mode and connect to the in-flight WiFi if it is available.

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The amount of data that any given individual uses keeps going up. Multiple airlines reported that passengers will connect to wifi from two, or even three devices during a flight. A single streamer uses the bandwidth of ten non-streamers. And all of this increases the costs to airlines for offering wifi.

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The use of mobile phones onboard aircraft to make voice calls or send texts is prohibited on UK airlines, unless the aircraft has been especially equipped with an approved mobile phone control system.

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No. Currently, we do not offer Wi-Fi on our flights.

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