Long flight ahead? Top airlines that offer Wi-Fi connectivity onboard

There’s nothing like grabbing a boarding pass, marching towards the gate and finding your window seat after months of planning a vacation. But the excitement soon fizzles into a forced silence the moment your flight attendant announces: “Please switch all electronic devices to aeroplane mode”.

Once you send that last message, you seem to have no other choice but to wait for the wheels to touch the ground again. But thanks to technology, today we have the option to stay connected even when cruising at 35,000 feet. Here’s how.

Can you really use Wi-Fi on an airplane, and how safe is it?

Yes, in-flight Wi-Fi is very real and surprisingly safe despite what conspiracy theorists might suggest! Modern aircrafts use specialised antenna systems – air-to-ground or satellite-based – that connect you to networks without interfering with critical flight communications.

The systems operate on completely different frequencies than those used for navigation and pilot communication, so your midair Netflix marathon won’t cause turbulence or send your plane off course!

When it comes to security, airline Wi-Fi networks should typically be treated with the same caution as any public hotspot. They’re generally safe for basic browsing but maybe hold off on accessing your banking details until you’re on solid ground.

Lastly, it is crucial to note that most airlines may also have engineered their Wi-Fi to block bandwidth-hungry applications or video calls to ensure everyone gets a fair share of connectivity.

Top airlines that offer Wi-Fi onboard

Wi-Fi is usually available onboard major airlines that are in existence today. From a small fee to a subscription package, travellers have the option of choosing what’s best for their surfing needs. Do note that the connectivity in the sky may not be at par especially if you’re used to a fast network back home.

That said, an increasing number of service providers, such as British Airways, Turkish Airlines and even Air India, are now offering stable networks for long-haul flights at reasonable rates.

So, before you book your next long-haul journey, check out this list of top airlines that understand your need for speed (internet speed, of course!) and will keep you connected from takeoff till touchdown.

1. Air India

Air India introduced Wi-Fi connectivity for its passengers on January 1, 2025. The service can be purchased aboard Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and some Airbus A321neo models. The cost varies based on your usage and route. For now, the service provider has only made it available for international travellers.

2. Air Asia

Air Asia offers Wi-Fi services on 33 of its aircraft and is continually working on updating this list. It uses roKKi Wi-Fi service provider, which allows passengers to use roKKi chats to send text messages over WhatsApp, WeChat as well as LINE. The packages range between $2 (roughly Rs 169) to $4.50 (roughly Rs 380). However, this only applies to lightweight usage and does not include YouTube or app downloads.

3. American Airlines

Gogo Wi-Fi connectivity is available across all American Airlines’s domestic routes within the USA. For international travellers, Wi-Fi can be purchased aboard a few planes, such as the 787 Dreamliner. The prices onboard range from $12 (roughly Rs 1,215) to $50 (Rs 4,300), based on the hours or type of subscription you plan to choose.

ALSO READ: What electronics and accessories can you carry in your cabin bag?

4. British Airways

British Airways currently provides in-air internet connectivity on its Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 airplanes. The prices range from £8 (roughly Rs 903) to £24 (roughly Rs 2,710) for the entire flight duration. However, they do have a first-hour free for travellers signing up for the first time.

5. Emirates

Emirates offers internet on over 60 per cent of its fleet. It employs an OnAir internet provider and even allows up to 20MB free in all classes if you’re on an A380 aircraft.

The plans are available starting at $9.99 (roughly Rs 1,129) up to $15.99 (roughly Rs 1,694). Additionally, it is free for Emirates Skywards members in First class and Business class during the whole flight.

6. Lufthansa

Lufthansa uses FlyNet connectivity and is available starting from one hour onwards. The passes range from €9 (roughly Rs 865) to €17 (roughly Rs 1,653) for long-haul flights. On shorter flights, prices start from €3 (roughly Rs 188) onwards and is capped at €12 (roughly Rs 1,154).

7. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines uses SITAONAIR and Panasonic connectivity for its Airbus A380, 350 and Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts. However, its prices remain dynamic, and change based on time and MB usage.

ALSO READ: What electronics can you carry in your check-in luggage?

8. Turkish Airlines

On Turkish Airlines, TTNet can be purchased for $10 (roughly Rs 845) per hour or $14 (roughly Rs 1,183) for 24 hours, based on your needs. Apart from that, Wi-Fi is free for Business Class travellers.

9. Iceland Air

Iceland Air has deployed Row44 internet across its entire fleet. Travellers can purchase it at €6 (roughly Rs 577), and it then varies based on their route or usage. Saga Class and Saga Gold members, however, can enjoy free Wi-Fi onboard.

With this, you should be ready to travel across the world without feeling disconnected. Make sure you check out our airport layover guide to ensure you have the right essentials on your journey.