How to Get Alaska Airlines Wifi

The era of being completely disconnected while soaring above the clouds is long gone.

Today, WiFi on airplanes isn’t just a luxury—it’s almost expected. With airlines like Alaska Airlines offering onboard internet services, staying connected in the sky has never been easier.

However, the burning question for many remains: Is Alaska Airlines’ WiFi worth it? Here’s my deep dive into their offering.

The Intricacies of In-Flight Internet

Before we delve into the specifics of Alaska Airlines’ WiFi, it’s essential to understand the challenges airlines face when providing in-flight internet. Offering WiFi at 35,000 feet is vastly different from setting up a home router.

• Satellite vs. Air-to-Ground: These are the two primary technologies airlines use for in-flight WiFi. Alaska Airlines utilizes satellite technology, which generally offers broader coverage, especially over oceans. However, this can sometimes mean a trade-off in speed.
• Multiple Users: Just like any public WiFi, the more people connected, the slower the speed might become.
• Physical Challenges: The plane’s speed, altitude, and even its structure can affect connectivity.

Alaska Airlines WiFi: Breaking It Down

1. Price

Alaska Airlines frequently tweaks its pricing structure, but as of my last check:

• Short Flights (under 3 hours): $8
• Long Flights (over 3 hours): $12
• Day Pass: $16

I recommend checking their official website or inquiring during your flight for the most updated pricing.

2. Speed & Data Allowance

Alaska Airlines claims that their WiFi is capable of speeds similar to your mobile phone’s 3G connection. In reality, based on my experiences:

• Browsing & Social Media: Smooth sailing with minimal buffering.
• Streaming & Entertainment: Can handle YouTube and music streaming, but might struggle with high-definition videos or platforms like Netflix.
• Work-Related Tasks: Email and lightweight tasks are okay, but video conferencing can be hit or miss.

Note: There’s no official data cap, but the airline reserves the right to limit usage for users who are consuming excessive bandwidth.

3. Real-World Application

Given the speed and data allowance:

• Work: Suitable for emails, browsing, and perhaps some lightweight cloud-based tasks. Video conferencing can be shaky.
• Entertainment: Music streaming, social media, and YouTube work well. However, binge-watching Netflix or other HD content might be a stretch.

Pros and Cons of Alaska Airlines WiFi

Pros:

• Widespread Coverage: Thanks to satellite technology, even when you’re flying over vast water bodies, you’ll likely stay connected.
• Fair Pricing: Compared to some competitors, Alaska Airlines offers relatively reasonable rates.
• No Data Cap: While there’s a ‘fair use’ policy, there’s no explicit data limit.

Cons:

• Inconsistent Speeds: Depending on how many people are connected, your experience might vary.
• Not Ideal for Heavy Streaming: If you’re hoping to catch up on HD shows or movies, prepare for potential buffering.

Factors Affecting Alaska Airlines WiFi Experience

Beyond the obvious technical limitations, several factors play a role in how well your in-flight WiFi will perform. Let’s understand them in depth:

1. Aircraft Type: Alaska Airlines has a varied fleet. Depending on the age and type of aircraft, the WiFi equipment might differ, affecting your connectivity experience.
2. Route and Geography: While satellite connections offer broader coverage, geographical factors like flying over polar routes might temporarily impact connectivity.
3. Peak Usage Times: During times when everyone decides to connect, such as after meals or before landing, you might notice a speed drop.

I recommend trying to stagger your usage if you want the fastest possible speeds, such as during periods when others might be asleep or watching the in-flight entertainment.

What About Entertainment?

While we’ve talked about the challenges of streaming, it’s worth noting that Alaska Airlines does provide its in-flight entertainment system. Here’s how the WiFi interplays with that:

• Streaming to Your Device: Instead of seat-back screens, Alaska Airlines offers the ability to stream movies and TV shows directly to your device via their WiFi network. This is separate from the paid WiFi service and is usually free.
• Quality: As this service is designed for in-flight streaming, the experience is typically smooth.

Note: If you’re considering Alaska Airlines’ WiFi mainly for entertainment, check out their free offerings first!

Comparing to Other Airlines

To truly judge Alaska Airlines’ WiFi, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against competitors:

1. Price Point: While Alaska Airlines falls in the mid-range in terms of pricing, some budget airlines might offer cheaper options, while premium carriers may have higher rates but better speeds.
2. Speed and Reliability: Some airlines, especially those investing in newer satellite technology or utilizing air-to-ground systems, might offer faster connections. However, Alaska’s satellite tech gives it an edge in terms of coverage.
3. Data Limitations: Unlike some airlines that impose strict data limits, Alaska Airlines’ “fair use” policy is more forgiving, which is a significant advantage for heavy users.

Making the Most of Your Connection

If you’ve decided to give Alaska Airlines’ WiFi a try, here are some tips to enhance your experience:

• Download Before Flying: If you’re unsure about the connection, download movies, shows, or work files beforehand. This ensures you have entertainment or necessary files even if the WiFi underperforms.
• Use a VPN: While the connection is generally secure, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides an added layer of security, especially if accessing sensitive information.
• Limit Background Processes: Ensure apps aren’t updating or syncing in the background, which can slow down your connection.
• Invest in a Day Pass for Long-Haul Flights: If you’re on a flight that’s 6 hours or longer, the day pass offers better value.

Is It Worth It? A Quick Checklist

For those still on the fence about Alaska Airlines’ WiFi, here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

1. Duration of Flight: For longer flights, having WiFi can be a lifesaver.
2. Purpose: If you need to work or have a long list of emails to catch up on, it might be a worthy investment.
3. Entertainment Alternatives: If you’ve downloaded movies or shows on your device, you might skip the WiFi.
4. Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, consider this an optional luxury.

Conclusion

Alaska Airlines WiFi provides a fair balance between cost and speed. It’s not the fastest in-flight internet out there, but it’s adequate for general browsing, light work, and some entertainment. For longer flights or those who need to stay connected, it can certainly be a worthy investment.

FAQs

Can I purchase WiFi in advance?

As of now, you can only purchase onboard.

Is there a monthly subscription available?

Alaska Airlines doesn’t offer a monthly subscription, but there are day passes available.

Can I stream Netflix on Alaska Airlines WiFi?

While it’s possible, expect potential buffering due to speed limitations.