Having access to in-flight Wi-Fi is a game-changer while traveling. It allows you to use your time in the air more enjoyably or more efficiently, depending on your needs. The internet speed available during flights will vary, but many airlines offer a robust enough connection speed for passengers to browse webpages and social media apps or stream videos on platforms like Netflix.
In the US, some of the best-known airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi to their passengers for a better flying experience. Below, we’ll explore eight airlines that do so and the costs and coverage they have available.
1. Delta Air Lines
Delta was one of the first American airlines to offer Wi-Fi to its passengers, and it is in the process of rolling it out on all its flights. The company aims for all its domestic flights to have Wi-Fi by the end of 2024 and for all its international flights to have it by 2025.
The service, called “Delta Sync Wi-Fi,” is complementary for Delta’s SkyMiles members, which is a free membership to join. For non-members, it costs $10. Delta Sync Wi-Fi is fast enough for browsing, messaging, and streaming content on domestic flights, opening up many possibilities for keeping busy during flights. So, if you are looking for the trusted casino in the USA or want to get a few more tasks off your to-do list over your flight, you’ll have the capability to do just that.
When it comes to Delta’s international flights, the availability of the service varies depending on routes and regions. It’s available throughout most of North America, with Hawaii and Alaska being the exceptions. It’s also available across Europe and overseas between North America and Europe. However, other regions of the world do not have the same internet quality or availability. Wi-Fi is only available in some parts of South America and is unavailable in Asia and Africa.
2. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers paid Wi-Fi via T-Mobile on most of its flights, starting at $8. Passengers who use the internet service provider may qualify for free in-flight Wi-Fi, depending on their mobile plan. Alaska Airlines Wi-Fi is unavailable for Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, or parts of Alaska.
The airline also offers two types of Wi-Fi, depending on the aircraft for your flight. The first is “Basic Wi-Fi,” which allows some browsing but cannot support activities like streaming or uploading items. The second is “Satellite Wi-Fi,” which allows for streaming, though the airline does note that its passengers may encounter service disruptions while in-flight.
3. American Airlines
Through American Airlines, passengers can access Wi-Fi on some domestic flights at a starting price of $10. For AAdvantage members, there is also the option of purchasing Wi-Fi packages starting at $49.95, which could offer savings for frequent fliers. Once connected to the internet, the service is robust enough to provide streaming capabilities. This airline, like Delta, was among the first US airlines to provide inflight Wi-Fi.
4. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue invites its passengers to “browse, buy, like, listen, surf, stream, and so much more — from takeoff to touchdown.”
Its Wi-Fi, which the company has branded as “Fly-Fi,” is free and available on all its planes. Fly-Fi is available across most of North America and Europe.
5. Southwest Airlines
Southwest offers internet on some of its flights starting at $8 per device, though it’s free for its A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers. The airline also offers free messaging through Wi-Fi-supported texting platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp. Alongside free messaging, Southwest offers free entertainment options through their Wi-Fi-enabled planes, including TV shows, movies, music, and iHeartRadio.
6. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines advertises its Wi-Fi as the fastest available of all US airlines, and they’ve made it available on each of its planes. Access starts at $3.99 for basic browsing access or $6.99 for streaming capabilities. Internet is available on all flights to and from the United States and South America.
7. Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways A220 planes are Wi-Fi-capable. For passengers who have purchased Breeze’s basic flight package, access to inflight internet starts at $5. For the airline’s more expensive packages, called the “Nicer Bundle” and “Nicest Bundle,” Wi-Fi services are included in the ticket price. It is also free for Breeze Easy Visa card holders.
Breeze uses Viasat to provide its passengers with internet access. This internet service provider has a reputation for being one of the faster internet options available for airlines.
8. United Airlines
With United Airlines, passengers can pay to access the internet on domestic or short international flights, such as those to and from Canada or Mexico. Wi-Fi day passes and subscription options exist for those taking multiple flights to their destination or who fly frequently.
Access costs $8 per flight for Mileage Plus members and $10 for non-members. Like Alaska Airlines, United uses T-Mobile and offers free internet access to T-Mobile users, depending on their plan eligibility.
United also offers free messaging for internet-based messaging platforms, like most other airlines with in-flight Wi-Fi capabilities.
Conclusion
If you’re among the travelers who want to use their flying time to work, game, or tune into your favorite TV series, these airlines are ones to remember for your next adventure. They offer the ability to browse, scroll, and stream to your heart’s content for a more enjoyable or productive flying experience.
By Jurgen NeustadtJurgen is a globetrotting adventurer with an unwavering thirst for travel. He craves the thrill of discovering new places, cultures, and flavors. Jurgen's life is a journey of exploration, where each destination offers a new chapter in his ongoing story of adventure and wonder.
