How Does Inflight Wifi Work, Anyway?

However, this system can’t work when the plane is flying over large expanses of water, like on transatlantic routes. That’s where satellite comes in.

Satellite WiFi uses a network of orbiting satellites to allow a connection. The satellite is linked to ground stations, and the airplane connects using a satellite antenna on the top of the fuselage. Again, the plane uses whichever satellite is nearest as it travels. Satellite WiFi operates on two different bandwidths: narrowband and broadband. Both allow passengers full Internet access though broadband is better.

The number of airlines offering inflight WiFi is increasing rapidly. You may need to book directly with the airline, and some operators require a single-use pass or package from a provider such as Gogo. This is also a useful option if you fly frequently with different airlines. The price is usually higher for greater bandwidth, but for your company, it may be worth the investment. Keep an eye out for these hidden airplane features you had no idea existed either.

Inflight WiFi connectivity is poised to improve across the board. Technology such as Gogo’s 2Ku system is steadily improving reliability, which is enabling more airlines to introduce WiFi for both domestic and international flights. JetBlue offers standard free WiFi service on all domestic flights, and Air Alaska offers free texting over WiFi on all flights as well as the promise of expanded, faster WiFi with Gogo’s 2Ku system through 2020. As of now, most Air Alaska flights offer basic WiFi services on flights in North America.