For decades, travelers have dutifully switched their phones to “airplane mode” before takeoff, disconnecting from the world until landing. But that era is rapidly fading as high-speed in-flight WiFi becomes the norm rather than the exception, fueled by partnerships between airlines and satellite internet providers like Starlink. What was once a luxury for business class passengers is quickly becoming a standard feature for all travelers—and it’s reshaping how we think about air travel.
From Isolation to Always Connected
In the past, airplane mode was a necessary safety measure. Concerns about mobile signals interfering with aircraft navigation systems prompted regulatory agencies to mandate the disabling of cellular radios during flight. But technology has since evolved. Aircraft systems are now more robust, and airlines are investing in infrastructure to support safe, reliable internet connectivity at cruising altitudes.
The result is a massive transformation: the cabin is no longer a digital dead zone. Instead, it’s becoming an extension of the connected world, allowing passengers to stream movies, join video calls, or scroll through social media at 35,000 feet.
Starlink and the Satellite Revolution
Much of this change can be credited to advancements in satellite internet, particularly the rise of Starlink Aviation, a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Starlink’s constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites enables significantly faster and more stable connections compared to traditional geostationary satellites, which are farther from Earth and more prone to latency.
Several airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, JSX, and Qatar Airways, have partnered with Starlink to roll out high-speed internet on their fleets. Unlike older systems that charged passengers hefty fees for sluggish connections, Starlink promises fast, free WiFi with speeds fast enough to stream YouTube or join Zoom meetings without interruption.
JSX, a U.S.-based regional carrier, was one of the first to offer complimentary Starlink WiFi across its entire fleet, a move that set a new benchmark in customer experience. Hawaiian Airlines, serving long-haul routes across the Pacific, also signed a deal with Starlink to bring free, high-speed internet to its passengers, with service expected to launch across select aircraft in 2025.
Is Airplane Mode Becoming Obsolete?
With such connectivity now available, the traditional requirement of “airplane mode” is being reexamined. While regulators like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) still mandate disabling cellular radios, there’s growing discussion about whether these rules are outdated.
In fact, the EU has already begun allowing 5G on airplanes, enabling travelers to use mobile data mid-flight via “pico cells” installed onboard. These systems safely connect passengers’ phones to ground networks without interference.
Although most global airlines still request passengers to keep their devices in airplane mode, the increasing availability of satellite-based internet suggests that the line between being airborne and being online is blurring fast.
The Future of In-Flight Connectivity
As in-flight WiFi speeds rival those on the ground, we can expect even more innovations. Personalized entertainment, real-time messaging, and even e-commerce could become more integrated into the flying experience. And as satellite infrastructure continues to expand, the days of airplane mode may be numbered.
One thing is certain: the sky is no longer the limit when it comes to staying connected.
