What is Wi-Fi on an airplane called and how does it work?

While traveling at 10,000 meters, many passengers wonder: what is the name of Wi-Fi on an airplane, and why is it so different from home Wi-Fi? In professional circles, this phenomenon is most often referred to as IFC (In-Flight Connectivity) or IFW (In-Flight Wi-Fi). These are sophisticated technological solutions that allow ground-based internet to "climb" onto aircraft, overcoming vast distances and physical barriers.

Few people know that behind the comfortable viewing of mail in the sky there is an entire ecosystem of satellites or ground towers. Technically, the data transfer process can be carried out through satellite dishes, mounted on the fuselage, or through the system ATG (Air-to-Ground) technology, which operates on the same principle as cellular communications. The airline's chosen method determines the connection speed and signal stability during the flight.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at what onboard internet is called, what providers exist, and why rates can range from free messaging to hundreds of dollars per hour. You'll learn about the technology's physical limitations and understand whether connecting to the internet is worth it if you need high speed.

Technical names and connection types

When you see a connection option in the entertainment menu, it is about the system In-Flight ConnectivityThis is a general term encompassing all data transmission methods. However, for engineers and passengers interested in the details, it's more important to understand the difference between two main technologies: satellite and terrestrial. The former uses spacecraft, the latter uses towers on the ground.

Satellite internet, often labeled as Satcom, provides coverage over oceans and remote areas. An antenna, usually located in the aircraft's "hump," tracks the satellite and transmits the signal. This is the most common and reliable method, allowing internet access even in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Speeds can be high, but they are shared among all passengers on board.

The second type is ATG (Air-to-Ground). In this case, the aircraft picks up signals from ground towers while flying over them. It's similar to mobile roaming, but on an aviation scale. The main advantage is low signal latency, but there's a significant drawback: over water or deserts, where there are no towers, the connection is completely lost.

⚠️ Attention: Connection type directly impacts video calling capabilities. Satellite signals often have high latency, which can cause Skype or Zoom to become unstable, even with fast download speeds.

Some airlines use hybrid systems, switching between signal sources to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. It's important for passengers to understand that the technical name of the network in the list of available Wi-Fi often contains provider coding, for example, Panasonic Avionics or Gogo, which immediately indicates the technology used.

Provider brands and network names

Unlike home internet, where you choose a provider based on your location, on an airplane your choice is limited to the equipment installed on the specific aircraft. The largest player in the market is Gogo, whose networks are often called that way - Gogo InflightTheir equipment is installed on thousands of aircraft worldwide, especially in North America.

Another giant is ViasatIf their system is installed on board, you will see a network with a name like Viasat or Viasat FreeThis company is renowned for its high-speed satellite solutions, which even allow video streaming. The third key player is the consortium Inmarsat (now part of Viasat) and Intelsat, whose networks are often found on international flights of European and Asian carriers.

On board aircraft Air France, Lufthansa or Emirates you may encounter branding SITA or OnAirThese companies often act as aggregators, providing the connection platform, while the physical infrastructure may be maintained by other partners. Therefore, the Wi-Fi network name in the list may vary depending on the flight region and the specific aircraft.

It is worth noting that local operators are also entering this market. For example, in Russia, you can find the network on Aeroflot flights Aeroflot WiFi, which is technically based on solutions from Russian integrators. The network's name is the first indicator of the quality and speed to expect.

• 📡 Gogo: Market leader in the US, using ATG technology and satellites.
• 🌍 Viasat: Known for its high-speed Ka-band satellite internet.
• ✈️ Panasonic Avionics: A major supplier of entertainment systems with integrated Wi-Fi.
• 🇪🇺 SITA/OnAir: Popular solutions for European and Middle Eastern airlines.

Pricing and payment models

The question of "how much it costs" often worries passengers more than the technical name of the network. Payment models on the airline internet are extremely diverse. There is a concept Freemium, where basic access (messaging apps only) is free, but full website access requires a fee. This allows passengers to stay in touch with loved ones without breaking the bank.

Full access is usually charged by the time or by the amount of data used. Rates can range from $5 per hour to $30 for the entire flight. Some airlines, such as JetBlue or TUI, include unlimited Wi-Fi in the ticket price, which is a great marketing ploy. In business class, internet access is almost always included in the price of service.

Why is internet on planes so expensive?

Maintaining satellite communications links is extremely expensive. A single aircraft can transmit data at speeds equivalent to dozens of home connections, but leasing bandwidth from satellite operators costs thousands of dollars per hour. Furthermore, onboard equipment requires complex maintenance and certification.

Payment is most often made through a special portal (Captive Portal), which opens automatically upon signing up. Here you can select the appropriate package.

There are also corporate rates and loyalty programs. If you frequently fly with one airline, it's worth checking your loyalty program status: gold and platinum members often receive free access to full internet as a bonus.

On-board connection process

Connecting to the onboard network is a simple process, but it has its own set of considerations. Once the aircraft has gained altitude (usually above 3,000 meters) and the captain has given permission to use electronic devices, you can begin setting up the device. The first step is always switching the device to airplane mode.

Important: Airplane mode disables cellular communications, but allows Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be enabled. Don't ignore this rule, as searching for a cellular network at high altitudes can interfere with onboard systems and quickly drain your smartphone's battery.

Next, in the wireless network settings, select the appropriate network. Its name (SSID) is usually duplicated on the screen of your personal entertainment system or in the airline's logbook. Once connected, open any browser. You will be automatically redirected to the authorization page. If this doesn't happen, try going to wifi.airline.com or any site with the http protocol.

On the portal page, you'll be asked to select a plan. If you have an access code from an airline or partner (such as a bank or credit card), you can enter it in the appropriate field. After successful authorization, the Wi-Fi icon in your device's status bar will change, confirming internet access.

⚠️ Attention: Don't try to use VPN services immediately after connecting. Many on-board firewalls block VPN protocols, and you may lose access even to free messaging apps. Test the network without encryption first.

Speed ​​limits and blockings

Even if the network name proudly boasts the word "High Speed," reality may differ from expectations. Channel bandwidth is divided among all passengers. If there are 300 people on a plane, and half of them decide to watch a 4K video, speed will drop for everyone. That's why airlines are implementing Traffic Shaping (traffic generation).

Most often, the following are blocked or severely restricted:

• 🚫 VoIP calls: Skype, FaceTime Audio, and WhatsApp Calls are often prohibited by airline rules to avoid disturbing other passengers.
• 🚫 P2P networks: Torrents and file sharing services are blocked at the provider level.
• 🚫 Heavy Streaming: Netflix or YouTube may only work in low definition (480p), even if you have paid full price.

Latency (ping) is also a critical factor. With a satellite connection, the signal travels 35,000 km from the aircraft to the satellite and back. This creates a latency of 600-800 ms, making it impossible to comfortably play online games or access stock quotes in real time.

However, for working with email, cloud documents, and instant messaging, speeds of 5-10 Mbps are quite sufficient. The main thing is to set your expectations correctly and understand that you're operating in extreme data transfer conditions.

The Future of Aviation Internet

The industry is constantly evolving. Traditional geostationary satellites are being replaced by low-orbit constellations such as StarlinkElon Musk is already testing his equipment on airplanes, promising speeds comparable to terrestrial fiber optics. This will change the way we think about in-flight Wi-Fi and how it works.

New standards 5G ATG are also developing. They enable data transfer at speeds of up to 100 Mbps using a next-generation network of ground towers. This will make internet cheaper and more accessible on continental flights. In the future, we may reach a model where passengers won't even notice they've switched providers mid-flight.

The introduction of more flexible tariffs is also expected, with billing per minute or even per megabyte, similar to mobile internet. Competition between providers will increase, inevitably leading to lower prices for end users.

Is it possible to use the Internet during takeoff and landing?

No, the use of any transmitting devices, including Wi-Fi, is prohibited during takeoff and landing (before reaching or descending above 3,000 meters). This is a safety requirement related to the operation of navigation systems.

Does Wi-Fi work on planes without paying a tariff?

Airlines often offer free access to in-flight entertainment (movies, music) without paying for internet. Access to the outside world (websites, messaging apps) is usually paid, but free messaging in apps is sometimes available.

Why doesn't Wi-Fi work in some areas?

It depends on the connection type. If ATG technology (ground-based towers) is used, there will be no signal over oceans, deserts, and the poles. Satellite internet works almost everywhere, except in the polar regions, where satellite coverage may be absent.

Is it safe to pay for purchases using on-board Wi-Fi?

Using open networks, even password-protected ones, to enter card details is risky. It's recommended to use only trusted sites with HTTPS, and for important transactions, it's better to use the bank's mobile app with SMS confirmation (if roaming is available) or postpone the transaction.

What is the name of the free network inside an airplane?

It's usually called the same as the paid version, but when logging in, you need to select the "Free Entertainment" or "Cabin Portal" option. Sometimes it has a separate SSID, for example, Airline-Free.