ViaSat, a renowned provider of satellite-based inflight connectivity, has equipped approximately 2,000 aircraft globally with its inflight Wifi services for major carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines and others.

Travel blogger The Points Guy gives Delta high marks for offering fast WiFi on nearly all its flights globally. Fees depend on the flight. Southwest gets high marks for charging a standard $8 a day for WiFi including messaging but you won’t be able to stream from some platforms. JetBlue offers WiFi free on flights that stay within the lower 48 states.

In-flight WiFi systems typically work by connecting the aircraft to a network of satellites or ground-based stations that transmit the internet signal. The signal is then received by an antenna installed on the aircraft, which allows passengers to connect their devices to the onboard WiFi network.

There are different types of in-flight WiFi systems, including satellite-based systems and air-to-ground systems:

Satellite-based systems: These systems use satellites orbiting the Earth to provide internet connectivity to the aircraft. The satellite sends and receives signals between the aircraft's antenna and the ground-based network operations center. This allows for global coverage, enabling internet connectivity even over remote areas or during long-haul flights. However, satellite-based systems may experience latency or signal disruptions due to the distance between the satellite and the aircraft.

Air-to-ground systems: In these systems, the aircraft connects to ground-based cell towers or antennas to establish an internet connection. The aircraft's antenna communicates with the nearest cell tower, which is connected to the internet service provider. Air-to-ground systems can provide fast and reliable connectivity, especially over populated areas where cell towers are densely distributed. However, coverage may be limited in remote or over-water regions.

In-flight Wifi systems are typically provided by specialized service providers who partner with airlines to install and maintain the necessary infrastructure. These include but aren’t limited to the following:

Gogo, a leading in-flight connectivity and entertainment service provider. Gogo partners with numerous airlines worldwide, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Air Canada, and more.

Viasat: Viasat is known for its satellite-based in-flight Wi-Fi solutions. Viasat collaborates with airlines such as JetBlue, United Airlines, Qantas, and El Al to offer high-speed internet connectivity on their aircraft.

Panasonic Avionics: Panasonic Avionics specializes in providing in-flight entertainment and communication solutions, including Wi-Fi connectivity. They have partnerships with airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Lufthansa.

Inmarsat: Inmarsat offers satellite-based connectivity solutions for airlines worldwide. They work with carriers such as Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines to deliver reliable in-flight Wi-Fi services.

Global Eagle: Global Eagle is a provider of media and satellite-based connectivity solutions for the aviation industry. They have partnerships with airlines like Southwest Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Air France to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services.

Airlines may offer various options for accessing in-flight Wifi, such as free access for certain services or time-limited sessions, as well as paid plans for extended or unlimited internet access.

We’ve mentioned leading WiFi providers and the examples of their airline partners. Ultimately it’s the WiFi connection that works seamlessly during your flight that is best on any given journey. The quality of in-flight Wifi can vary depending on the airline, aircraft type, and flight route. Factors such as the number of connected passengers, geographical location, and technical limitations may impact the overall performance and speed of the in-flight Wifi connection.