How To Get WiFi on a Plane for Free: Unlimited Streaming & Text

The easiest way to get free Wifi on a plane is by having a T-Mobile phone number. T-Mobile partners with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines to offer unlimited free Wifi to its Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, and Magenta MAX customers.

If you aren't a T-Mobile customer, then we'll also explain how you can get reimbursed for inflight purchases by spending with certain credit cards. Lastly, we'll introduce a great alternative, GigSky, which offers incredible eSIMs that can connect to telecom networks on the ground while you are inflight.

How To Get Wifi On a Plane For Free With T-Mobile

T-Mobile partners with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines to offer free unlimited messaging, Wifi calling, and OTT messaging with apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Hangout. On satellite-enabled flights (usually larger planes, longer flights), you'll get to stream services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube with your own subscriptions.

Eligibile T-Mobile Plans

• Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, and Magenta MAX Plans: These plans give you unlimited Wifi, streaming, and unlimited texting on all domestic flights with the partner airlines.
• Other Go5G and Magenta Plans: These plans provide free Wifi, streaming, and unlimited texting on four full flights per year, plus one hour of free Wifi on additional flights.

How to Log In to Get Wifi On a Plane For Free

1. Turn on Airplane Mode: Enable airplane mode on your device.
2. Connect to Wifi: Turn on Wifi and connect to your airline's network. This may become available after takeoff.
3. Get Online: Navigate to the airline’s Wifi portal. When prompted to pay for Wifi passes, select the T-Mobile option (if you are a T-Mobile customer).
4. Input Your Phone Number: Enter your valid phone number under your eligible T-Mobile plan.
5. Complete CAPTCHA: Finish the CAPTCHA verification to get online.

Using Someone Else's T-Mobile Number

If you don’t have T-Mobile, consider asking a friend or family member who does to use their number when connecting to Wifi on your flight with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, or United Airlines.

Airlines That Have Free Inflight Wifi

Getting Wifi on a plan for free will largely depend on your chosen airline. We list the three American airlines that are best known for their free inflight Wifi.

For a detailed list of international airlines and airlines that offer paid Wifi, read our guide on inflight airplane Wifi.

Delta Airlines

Delta offers free Wifi to all passengers with a SkyMiles account, regardless of their wireless provider. Wifi for messaging, browsing, and streaming is available on most Delta flights within the U.S., and is even beginning to include more international flights into the program.

To join SkyMiles, you can sign up for free onboard or on the ground. Otherwise, non-members can purchase in-flight Wifi for $10.

JetBlue

JetBlue offers free Wifi to all passengers on its domestic flights, regardless of any membership or loyalty programs. It also has free Wifi on many flights to the UK and Europe. You should be able to stream with this Wifi too.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines rolled out free Wifi in 2023 thanks to its partnership with Starlink. All you need to do is connect your device to the “Starlink Wifi on HawaiianAir” inflight Wifi network. There's no login or credit card required, and you'll be able to browse and stream.

Credit Cards With Inflight WiFi Discounts

While not completely free, these airline credit cards add credits to your monthly statements when you make inflight Wifi purchases with the associated airline.

Southwest Airlines Credit Cards

Get a 25% statement credit on in-flight purchases of drinks and Wifi with:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card ($69 annual fee)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card ($99 annual fee)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card ($149 annual fee)

Get 365 complimentary internet access credits on Southwest flights. In other words, never pay for Wifi on 365 legs a year:

• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card ($199 annual fee)

United Airlines Credit Cards

Save 25% on food, beverage, and Wifi purchases on board United and United Express-operated flights, and United Club premium drink purchases with:

• United Gateway℠ Card (no annual fee)
• United℠ Explorer Card ($95 annual fee, waived the first year)
• United Club℠ Infinite Card ($525 annual fee)

Get up to $125 in statement credits each anniversary for reimbursement of United purchases charged:

• United Quest℠ Card ($250 annual fee)

Other Credit Cards With Onboard Wifi Benefits

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines also partner with credit card issuers to offer discounts to their members:

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: When you fly on American Airlines, get reimbursement of up to $25 per year for in-flight Wifi purchases ($99 annual fee).
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card: Get a 20% statement credit on in-flight purchases of Wifi, food, and beverages ($95 annual fee).

GigSky Inflight eSIM

If your airline does not have Wifi capabilities or if the Wifi options are too expensive, we highly recommend GigSky's eSIM as an alternative. GigSky is a high-quality eSIM provider that partners with AeroMobile, a satellite network that provides robust and reliable in-flight connectivity. If you have an eSIM compatible smartphone, then you'll be able to easily install and active a GigSky eSIM.

They partner with 19 major airlines to let you roam on their planes. You can top up as needed with GigSky's app.

• Inflight Plan: 100 MB for $13.99 (valid for 1 day)

Here's How GigSky's Inflight eSIM Works

When you take your smartphone OFF of airplane mode, the signal will be relayed from the aircraft antenna via satellite to the AeroMobile ground network. Your eSIM’s unique number will confirm that you have a roaming agreement with AeroMobile. Once confirmed, you'll access email, browse, text, and make calls as you would on the ground.

1. Download the GigSky App: Prior to takeoff, download the GigSky app and purchase an Inflight plan.
2. Switch Settings: At cruising altitude, switch on the GigSky plan in your Settings > Cellular menu.
3. Stay Connected: Enjoy chatting, emailing, streaming, and topping up as needed during your flight!

GigSky Inflight eSIM Compatible Airlines

To ensure the best experience, use the latest version of the operating system, and make sure your device is not locked by your current carrier.

GigSky is compatible with:

• Aer Lingus
• Alitalia
• Asiana Airlines
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Egypt Air
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• EVA Air
• Kuwait Airways
• Lufthansa
• Malaysia Airlines
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Swiss International Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish Airlines
• Uzbekistan Airways
• Virgin Atlantic