In-flight internet access is on the up and up. Thanks to a list compiled by Lifehacker, it’s now easy to get a glimpse of just how much progress has been made over the past few years. It looks like AirTran and Virgin America are the best bets for in-flight Wi-Fi, while United Airlines is the worst. According to the company’s website, only 59 of the airline’s 700+ planes have Wi-Fi.
We did a little more digging to find out exactly where airline Wi-Fi stands (prices are for domestic flights), and here’s what we came up with:
- Air Canada: Approx. 18% of aircraft, $14/day*.
- AirTran Airways: All aircraft, $14/day*.
- Alaska Airlines: Approx. 93% of aircraft, $14/day*.
- American Airlines: Approx 78% of aircraft, $14/day*.
- Delta: Approx. 65% of aircraft, $14/day*.
- Jet Blue: Fleetwide wi-fi expected to come later this year.
- Southwest: Approx. 70% of aircraft, $8/day.
- United Airlines: Approx. 8% of aircraft, $14/day* or $4-20 (depending on flight).
- US Airways: About 90% of aircraft, $14/day*.
- Virgin America: All aircraft, $14/day*.
*These fleets are serviced by Gogo Inflight Internet. Frequent fliers will want to consider buying a Gogo pass, which can cover all flights in a day or month. Since the majority of airlines use Gogo, one pass could cover multiple legs of a trip — even if different airlines are used.
It is also important to note that even if the airplane you’re flying has Wi-Fi, every seat may not have access to a power outlet. No airline has yet ensured outlets at each seat, but Seat Guru has documented where the power outlets are in each type of aircraft. Additionally, you’ll want to check and make sure you have the right adaptor, or you might find it difficult to get some work done at 10,000 feet.