Passenger Wi-Fi on airplanes

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An aircraft offering in-flight Wi-Fi in the passenger cabin in 2016 MyPAL signs.jpg
An aircraft offering in-flight Wi-Fi in the passenger cabin in 2016

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. [1]

Contents

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. [2] In 2001, U.S. airlines suspended all Wi-Fi services as a security measure implemented in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. [3]

In December 2013, JetBlue became the first airline in the United States to offer free Wi-Fi on some of its domestic flights. [4]

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. [5] 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. [6] 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. [7]

Internet connectivity methods

Air-to-Ground Method

The air-to-ground (ATG) method is an older technique for providing in-flight internet, first implemented by the American provider Gogo. The company has extensively covered North America, establishing over 200 towers [8] to transmit internet signals, enabling passengers to connect to global communication networks. This method relies on ground-based mobile wide-area towers, with the signal received by antennas located on the airplane near the fuselage. As the aircraft moves through the airspace, it automatically connects to the nearest tower's signal. However, the primary disadvantage of ATG Technology is its unavailability in regions without human activity, such as oceans, seas, and deserts. The average internet speed provided by this method is approximately 20 Mbps.

Satellite Antennas

A more modern approach to in-flight internet connectivity [9] involves the use of satellite technology. Airplanes connect to satellite internet providers, such as Starlink or Viasat, which are located in geostationary orbit. These satellites send and receive signals through receivers and transmitters on the ground. The data is then transmitted to the airplane via an antenna located on the top of the aircraft. An onboard router subsequently distributes the Wi-Fi signal to passengers.

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. [10]

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 for all classes are: [11]

Without loyalty membership

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:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Demand for in-flight Wi-Fi is driving airline loyalty among passengers". International Airport Review. 7 August 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  2. ↑ "Lufthansa's Internet World Premier in the Sky". boeing.mediaroom.com. Boeing . Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  3. ↑ Shim, Richard (29 March 2024). "Taxiing the Net for take-off". cnet.com. CNET . Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  4. ↑ Shankman, Samantha (12 December 2013). "JetBlue launches free in-flight Wi-Fi". NBC News . Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  5. ↑ Drury, Doug (7 April 2023). Here’s the real reason to turn on airplane mode when you fly. CNN Travel. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  6. ↑ Hannah, Brandler (19 August 2023). "Smart Traveller: a guide to inflight wifi". Business Traveller . Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  7. ↑ Dofmann, Zak (2 July 2024). "Federal Agency Issues New Security Advice If You Use Airplane WiFi". www.forbes.com. Forbes . Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  8. ↑ "Why Gogo's Infuriatingly Expensive, Slow Internet Still Owns the Skies". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
  9. ↑ Reed, Allison (2024-12-31). "Airplanes Wi-Fi - Airlines with Wi-Fi & How to Get It On-Board". OHAYU eSIM. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
  10. ↑ Suddath, Claire (2019-10-13). "Sunday Strategist: Should Airlines Remove Seatback Screens?". www.bloomberg.com. Bloomberg News . Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  11. ↑ "A Comprehensive List Of Airlines That Offer WiFi Onboard". www.cabinzero.com. CabinZero. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  12. ↑ Thornber, Lorna (8 October 2017). "Air New Zealand gets with the in-flight wi-fi programme, launches trial service". www.stuff.co.nz. Stuff New Zealand . Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  13. ↑ Fam, Christopher (2024-11-04). "Malaysia Airlines to start offering free WiFi on its Boeing 737-8 planes by end of 2024". The Star . Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  14. ↑ Rainbow, Jason (24 September 2024). "Free Starlink Wi-Fi now on most Hawaiian Airlines transpacific fleet". www.spacenews.com. SpaceNews . Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  15. ↑ Narayan, Vijay (6 November 2024). "Fiji Airways introduced complimentary full flight messaging Wi-Fi for the Economy Class guests". Fiji Village . Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  16. ↑ Velani, Bhavya (1 January 2025). "Air India Rollouts Free WiFi on Domestic and International Flights". www.aviationa2z.com. Aviation A2Z. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
  17. ↑ Romero, Martín (27 March 2024). "Chile: LATAM Airlines begins offering Wi-Fi on domestic flights". Aviacionline. aviacionline.com. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  18. ↑ Caswell, Mark (27 September 2024). "Air France to introduce free wifi across its fleet". Business Traveller . Retrieved 3 December 2024.
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