How Airplane Wi-Fi Actually Works at 35,000 Feet
Not Ordinary Wi-Fi
Unlike home Wi-Fi, airplane internet uses satellites or ground towers to beam signals directly to antennas on the aircraft.
Satellite-Based Internet
Most long flights use satellites orbiting Earth that relay data between your device, the plane, and ground stations below.
Air-to-Ground Systems
Domestic flights often connect to cellular towers below, similar to your phone—creating a moving data link in the sky.
Antennas on the Plane
Special antennas on the plane’s body capture data from satellites or towers and distribute Wi-Fi throughout the cabin.
Speed and Limits
Bandwidth is shared among hundreds of passengers, and long distances make the signal slightly delayed compared to ground networks.
Airlines Are Upgrading
Modern aircraft use faster Ka-band satellites, offering streaming-quality speeds and lower latency even on international flights.
Future of In-Flight Internet
Next-gen systems will bring 5G speeds to the sky, letting passengers stream, work, and connect seamlessly anywhere in the world.
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