How do I know if my plane will have Wi-Fi?

You'll need to check your flight status to see if Wi-Fi comes included with your trip -- if it is, you'll be able to pay a fee to connect and browse the web, check emails and send messages, or stream video from services like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max.



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On larger flights, in-flight Wi-Fi may be available at the gate. Generally, the cabin crew will provide instructions once in-flight Wi-Fi is available, and most flights will have information on how to connect in the seat-back pocket.

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JetBlue Airways and Delta Air Lines are the only two U.S. airlines that currently offer free Wifi on flights. What is this? JetBlue Airways was the first American airline to offer free Wifi on all flights for all passengers. From takeoff to landing, you can enjoy Fly-Fi, the airline's free Wifi service.

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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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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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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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Yes, Delta currently has free Wi-Fi and entertainment for passengers, and the capabilities have been extended to most domestic flights on Feb. 1, 2023.

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Delta and Virgin America tied for the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi at speeds up to 15 Mbps. If you're simply looking for the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi, go for Delta or Virgin America. However, while both these airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi up to 15 Mbps, they vary in price enormously.

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As of Feb. 1, 2023, Delta offers free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights. By the end of 2023, free Wi-Fi will be available on more than 700 Delta aircraft. On aircraft without free Wi-Fi, Delta Wi-Fi costs $7 for a one-hour pass from Intelsat.

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Power outlets and Wi-Fi are available on certain aircraft. To find out if your upcoming flight is equipped with these amenities, search for your flight on the Flight Status and Information page within 72 hours of your departure and check the Inflight Amenities tab.

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Delta has spent more than $1 billion upgrading its planes to offer free Wi-Fi to customers. The airline uses Viasat, one of the leading providers of satellite internet, to deliver Wi-Fi on board. CNBC got an inside look at how Delta is working to upgrade over 1,200 planes by 2024.

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Delta Studio® Enjoy 1,000+ hours of free entertainment on your seatback screen including up to 18 channels of live satellite TV along with the latest movies, premium TV series from HBO®, MasterClass and Paramount+, podcasts, playlists and games.

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The Best Options for Internet Access when Traveling
  1. Use Your Mobile Provider. ...
  2. Buy a SIM Card for your trip. ...
  3. Use a Mobile Hotspot. ...
  4. Use a specialist roaming SIM. ...
  5. Consider Satellite Internet. ...
  6. Just use WiFi for Internet Access.


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Per the FAA website's Safety Information page, “The FCC and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments. Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled.

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By default, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® are disabled in airplane mode—you can't make or receive FaceTime calls or use features or accessories that require wireless communication, but you can listen to music, play games, watch videos, and use other apps that don't require internet access.

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The bad news is that they're definitely not universal (yet), and even if your flight technically “has” them, there's no guarantee they're going to work. All that aside, it's totally possible to plan ahead (at least a little bit) and figure out if your upcoming flight has individual power outlets.

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