How Does In-Flight Wi-Fi Work? - InMyArea.com

In-Flight Wi-Fi: How Does It Work?

A glass of water on a table seat in an airplane in this image from Shutterstock

Using Wi-Fi during a plane ride is a great way to do simple online tasks such as checking emails. (Image: Shutterstock)

If you’re like a majority of internet users, you probably use Wi-Fi at airports shortly before your flight. Many airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi to their customers, and you’ll be able to use it once you’re at a certain elevation level during your flight. We’ve looked into Wi-Fi plane etiquette, airplane mode, and more to create a comprehensive guide on Wi-Fi in the sky.

Wi-Fi Plane Etiquette

Depending on when you board the plane and take a seat, you’ll have some time to use the Wi-Fi provided at the airport. Once the plane has fully boarded all of its passengers, the flight attendants will instruct you to set your phone and other electronic devices on Airplane Mode and give you additional instructions on using Wi-Fi during the flight. When the plane takes off and you reach a specific elevation (roughly 30,000 feet or higher), you’ll be able to turn Airplane Mode off and access in-flight Wi-Fi.

In-Flight Wi-Fi Costs

While some airlines offer complimentary Wi-Fi during their flights, other airplanes may charge passengers to use or upgrade their Wi-Fi depending on the type of flight or other factors. You can purchase Wi-Fi before or during your flight if a payment is required. Note that you will still have to turn on Airplane Mode when prompted by airline staff, regardless of whether you decide to use Wi-Fi.

Types of In-Flight Wi-Fi

A woman on her phone while sitting in an airplane in this image from Shutterstock — Airlines use cellular signals to transmit signals to and from all electronic devices. (Image: Shutterstock)

For you to get a signal during your flight, airlines use one of two internet systems. Ground-based internet systems utilize an antenna attached to the bottom of the plane that connects to nearby cell towers. The plane then acts as a hotspot and transmits signals to and from the towers, allowing passengers to connect easily to the internet.

Satellite internet systems work similarly, except it uses orbiting satellites that link to different ground-level stations. The antenna is located on the top of the plane instead of the bottom. Receiving and sending signals through satellites above ground means it’s ideal for flights over vast areas of water.

Talking, Texting, and Traveling

You won’t be able to call or text anyone since you won’t have access to a cellular network. However, any messaging apps that use Wi-Fi are allowed, including social media and other messaging service apps. Airline networks are public, so you’ll want to be considerate of sharing personal information while messaging over Wi-Fi.

Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode (or “flight mode”) is a setting on any electronic device that prevents it from sending or receiving cellular signals. It also includes other wireless connections like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. While you won’t be able to stream any videos online or use the internet, you can still use your phone as long as your activity doesn’t require an internet connection. For example, playing mobile games offline or listening to downloaded music are things you can do on your flight without using the internet.

Using cellular networks can interfere with communication systems that the airline may need to guide the plane. Airplane Mode will disable devices from receiving cellular connections, preventing any disruption during the flight. Airplane Mode also disables Bluetooth, so passengers can’t use Bluetooth devices unless their device has a separate Bluetooth option. When passengers enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, Airplane Mode will still need to be enabled to prevent cellular interference.