According to a market analysis by the comparison portal Verivox, almost half of the 15 most popular airlines taking off from German airports do not offer in-flight Wi-Fi, not even for a fee. However, it's important to note that many airlines are making significant efforts to provide this service, which instills optimism for future improvements.
These include low-cost and leisure airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet, Pegasus, Sun Express, and TUIfly. Three other airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi only on selected flights: Condor, Austrian Airlines, and Eurowings. Larger airlines such as Lufthansa and British Airways offer network access more frequently, but availability depends significantly on the aircraft type and equipment.
The prices for Wi-Fi above the clouds vary depending on the short-haul or long-haul flight. According to the data, the speed is limited to a maximum of 4 Mbit/s, which is often insufficient for smooth video streaming. Access is much slower and is only sufficient for fluent text message exchange.
Internet access on an airplane is a complex process. Passengers connect via Wi-Fi; the data is transmitted from the aircraft to a satellite, then from the satellite to a ground station, and back again. This intricate process, coupled with the shared network access, often results in a slower connection.
Understanding and considering this shared resource is important, as it can help ensure a smoother experience for everyone and empower travelers to make the most of the service.
Given the limitations of in-flight Wi-Fi, data-intensive applications like streaming music or movies may not work well. However, travelers can take steps to ensure a smooth in-flight entertainment experience.
It's crucial to download movies and music before the flight to avoid slow connections and high Wi-Fi costs on board. Most major streaming providers offer smartphone and tablet apps that allow users to download a selection of films and music, which can then be used - sometimes for a limited time - without Internet access. This way, travelers can be reassured that they have a selection of entertainment ready to go, regardless of the in-flight Wi-Fi situation.