Wi-Fi on planes: which airlines offer it and what does it cost?

In-flight Wi-Fi has gone from a luxury to something many travellers expect as standard. But coverage varies enormously depending on which airline you fly with, the route, and even the specific aircraft. Here is what you need to know before you board.

How does Wi-Fi work on a plane?

Aircraft connect passengers to the internet in one of two ways. Satellite-based systems beam a signal from orbiting satellites to an antenna on the fuselage. Air-to-ground systems use ground-based towers, similar to mobile networks, to relay a signal to the plane.

Satellite Wi-Fi tends to offer better coverage on long-haul routes and over oceans. Air-to-ground works reliably over land but can drop out at sea. Newer Starlink satellite technology is raising the bar, delivering speeds closer to home broadband than the sluggish connections many early adopters remember.

British Airways Wi-Fi

British Airways offers Wi-Fi on most long-haul routes and a growing number of short-haul services. Packages start from £4.99, with options ranging from messaging-only plans to full browsing. Availability and pricing vary by route and aircraft type, so it is worth checking when you book.

Virgin Atlantic Wi-Fi

Virgin Atlantic is rolling out free Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet, with full coverage expected by 2027. On aircraft already equipped, the connection is free to use. Check Virgin's website ahead of your trip to confirm whether your specific flight is Starlink-enabled.

Does EasyJet have Wi-Fi?

EasyJet does not currently offer in-flight Wi-Fi on any of its routes. If staying connected in the air matters to you, it is worth factoring this in when you compare your options.

Does Ryanair have Wi-Fi?

Ryanair does not offer Wi-Fi on its flights. The airline has explored the possibility in the past but has not rolled it out across its network.

Air France Wi-Fi

Air France provides Wi-Fi on long-haul routes, available in tiered packages based on data allowance. Coverage and pricing vary by aircraft and route. Check directly with Air France before your trip to confirm what is available on your flight.

Lufthansa Wi-Fi

Lufthansa's FlyNet service covers long-haul routes and some medium-haul European flights. Passengers can choose between a messaging-only plan and full browsing packages. Frequent flyer status unlocks discounted or complimentary access on certain services.

Iberia Wi-Fi

Iberia offers Wi-Fi on long-haul routes, primarily on its Airbus A330 fleet. Short-haul flights within Europe generally do not have connectivity. As with other airlines, confirming availability at the time of booking is the safest approach.

Tips for using Wi-Fi on a plane

• Download before you fly. Even with Wi-Fi, streaming large files mid-flight can be slow and costly. Download playlists, podcasts, and documents before you board.
• Use messaging apps rather than video calls. Bandwidth is shared among all passengers on board. Text-based apps like WhatsApp work reliably; video calls can struggle.
• Pick the right package. Most airlines offer tiered options. If you only need email, a messaging or basic plan will cost far less than a full browsing pass.
• Connect early. Wi-Fi typically activates after take-off. Getting connected early means you are set up before the network gets congested.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get Wi-Fi on a plane?

Yes, but availability depends on the airline and route. Long-haul flights are far more likely to offer Wi-Fi. Budget carriers operating short-haul European routes, such as Ryanair and EasyJet, do not currently provide it.

Is Wi-Fi free on planes?

Rarely, though this is changing. Virgin Atlantic is rolling out free Starlink Wi-Fi, and some airline loyalty programmes offer complimentary access to top-tier members. Most airlines still charge per session or data allowance.

How fast is in-flight Wi-Fi?

Speed varies by provider and aircraft. Older satellite systems can feel slow, especially when many passengers are connected at once. Airlines using Starlink offer noticeably faster speeds, comparable to a standard broadband connection at home.

Does in-flight Wi-Fi work over the ocean?

Satellite-based systems, including Starlink and Panasonic Avionics, work over open water. Air-to-ground systems do not. Most long-haul operators use satellite connectivity precisely for this reason.

Can I use Wi-Fi on a plane for video calls?

Some airlines permit it; others restrict bandwidth-heavy activity. Even where it is allowed, connection quality may make sustained video calls unreliable. Check the airline's terms before counting on it for a scheduled meeting.

Before you think about staying connected in the air, make sure you are protected if things go wrong on the ground. If your flight arrived more than 3 hours late at its final destination, or was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261. The amount you might be eligible depends on the flight distance, and varies from €250 to €600. Check your eligibility with AirRefund.com/en today - no win, no fee. 

This content was written with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by a member of our air passenger rights team before publication.