How to protect yourself when connecting to Wi-Fi on an airplane and whether it is worth paying for internet on board
Onboard Wi-Fi has long become a familiar service for travelers. It helps you stay connected, work, or entertain yourself even at 10,000 meters altitude. However, connecting to in-flight internet comes with certain risks to your personal data. In this article, you will learn how in-flight connectivity works, what threats await users, how to protect your devices, and whether it is worth paying for Wi-Fi access in the sky.
How the world of onboard Wi-Fi works
Onboard Wi-Fi is a system that allows passengers to use the internet right during the flight. It is especially in demand for work, communicating with loved ones, and watching content on long journeys. The connection is provided in two main ways: via ground stations or satellites.
Ground-based systems use antennas on the aircraft to connect with towers on the ground. This option works well over densely populated areas, but the connection may be lost over the ocean or desert. Satellite internet provides connectivity using special antennas aimed at satellites in orbit. This allows you to get internet anywhere in the world, although latency and speed may differ from familiar home networks.
Service providers are large companies such as Viasat and Starlink, which cooperate with airlines. For example, Delta and United are actively implementing Wi-Fi on most of their flights, while Lufthansa offers connectivity on international routes. Availability depends on the type of aircraft and route, so it is worth confirming this information before your flight. The high cost of Wi-Fi is explained by technical complexities: equipment, satellite communication, and infrastructure support cost more than ground-based networks.
What can happen when you connect
Using Wi-Fi on an airplane is associated with a number of data security threats. One of the main dangers is fake access points. Attackers create networks with similar names to trick passengers and obtain their personal information. In 2024, there was a case in Australia where a scammer set up fake Wi-Fi networks right on board to intercept passwords and messages.
The second common threat is data interception using special software. Attackers can read unencrypted traffic between your device and the internet. If you send important data without protection, it becomes accessible to outsiders. Weak encryption and outdated protocols on board can also make it easier for cybercriminals.
Vulnerabilities in device software are another risk factor. Untimely updating of the system or applications creates loopholes for attacks. In addition, airlines and providers often collect and store information about passengers’ online activities. This data may be shared with government agencies or used for other purposes in different countries. Risks are especially high when transmitting sensitive information, such as bank card data or work documents.
Why you shouldn’t play online games on a plane
Even if the speed and stability of the connection allow it, experts recommend that passengers refrain from using entertainment that involves financial transactions. As examples, they mention such popular games as jetX online game, Plinko, online poker, or slots. Login data, passwords, card numbers, and casino balances can be intercepted in plain text if the casino site does not use HTTPS. But even using such a protocol during an active attack does not guarantee 100% protection. Therefore, cybersecurity specialists do not recommend conducting financial transactions, logging in to casino accounts, entering card data, or playing for money via Wi-Fi on a plane even when following security measures.
How to protect your data at altitude
To use the internet safely on board, it is important to follow a few simple rules. Here are the main recommendations:
- Use a VPN to encrypt all internet traffic. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the server, making the data unreadable to outsiders.
- Check the exact name of the Wi-Fi network before connecting. It is better to confirm it with the crew or on official signs.
- Disable auto-connect to networks and the file sharing function on your device. This will reduce the risk of accidentally connecting to a malicious network and leaking files.
- Do not log in to banking accounts and other sensitive services unless absolutely necessary. For access, use only secure connections and two-factor authentication.
- Regularly update your operating system and applications. Updates eliminate vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
- Open only websites with the secure HTTPS protocol. You can check this by the lock icon in the browser address bar.
- After finishing your session, remove the network from saved networks on your device. This will prevent automatic connection to fake access points in the future.
A VPN is like an envelope for your correspondence: even if someone intercepts the message, they will not be able to read it. However, a VPN does not protect against malware infection if you connect to a fake network. Therefore, it is important to combine several protection methods.
Wi-Fi in the airport and on board
Wi-Fi in airports and airplanes is similar in terms of operation and threats. Both types of networks are public, do not provide individual protection for each device, and can be vulnerable to attacks. Airports usually offer higher speed and stability due to stationary infrastructure, but the risk of data interception remains.
On board, latency is higher due to the use of satellites, and connection quality may vary depending on the route. However, the main threats are the same: fake networks, traffic interception, and data collection. To reduce risks, follow the same precautions as on the plane: use a VPN, check the network name, update your devices, and avoid transmitting sensitive data.