APH Research delivers an insightful analysis of airline policies on in-flight electronics and connectivity, helping travellers navigate their options across top carriers. This report examines device usage, charging availability, Wi-Fi plans, and entertainment offerings, giving passengers the tools to make informed decisions for a tech-friendly flight.
Airlines like Emirates and Delta lead the way with complimentary Wi-Fi for loyalty members, while others, including Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, offer versatile paid plans tailored to browsing, messaging, or streaming needs. Connectivity across all airlines is robust, with options to access Wi-Fi at various price points or through loyalty benefits. However, offerings such as free texting and in-flight internet vary, with premium services often available for higher-tier passengers.
Charging options are becoming standard, with USB and power outlets featured widely across cabin classes. However, travellers in Economy on some carriers may face limitations. For instance, while Air Canada and Air New Zealand provide charging in most seats, others like British Airways require adapters for certain plug types.
Entertainment offerings highlight significant advancements. Emirates and Qatar Airways provide expansive libraries of on-demand content, live TV, and music, while Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines offer unique platforms like My Music Planet and KrisWorld. Airlines are catering to diverse passenger needs with features ranging from curated playlists to interactive maps and live sports.
This guide equips passengers with a clear comparison of services, ensuring every traveller – from casual flyers to business-class frequent fliers- can tailor their experience to match their needs. APH remains committed to simplifying travel decisions through reliable and comprehensive research.
APH also offers a range of travel services, including secure airport parking, convenient airport hotel bookings, and combined hotel and parking packages. Let us help you start your journey smoothly and stress-free.
Air Canada
Devices Supported
- Android, Apple, Blackberry, and Windows platforms
- Web browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer (8+), Microsoft Edge, and Safari
Charging Outlets
- Power outlets: Available at every Business Class and Air Canada Signature Class seat, and select Economy Class seats
- USB ports: Available at every seat
Wi-Fi
- Free texting for Aeroplan Members (add Aeroplan number before check-in)
- Wi-Fi Pass options:
- 1-hour, one-way, or monthly passes (starting from £5 or $6.50)
- Aeroplan points can be used for purchases
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on Premium Rouge
- In-flight Wi-Fi is available on most Air Canada flights and all Air Canada Rouge flights
Entertainment
- Live TV, sports, and news
- Air Canada Rouge entertainment accessible on personal devices
- Content includes TV series, music, and films (collaborations with Apple TV, Disney Plus, Audible, etc.)
Connection Instructions
- Set device to airplane mode and enable Wi-Fi.
- Connect to “ACWiFi.com.”
- Open browser and type “acwifi.com” to follow prompts.
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[tab title=”Air France“]
Devices Supported
- Smartphones, tablets, and computers
Charging Outlets
- USB ports and power outlets available
Wi-Fi Pass Options
- Message Pass: Free (instant messaging apps; no videos or photos)
- Surf Pass:
- €3 (£2.50) for short-haul flights
- €5 (£4) for medium-haul flights
- €8 (£6.50) for long-haul flights
- Stream Pass: €30 (£24.50) for the entire flight
Entertainment
- Over 1,500 hours of on-demand entertainment
- 350 films, TV series, news, music, and podcasts
- Interactive map available
Connection Instructions
- Set device to airplane mode.
- Connect to “AirFranceCONNECT.”
- Open browser and go to connect.airfrance.com.
Air New Zealand
Devices Supported
- Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, cameras, noise-cancelling headsets, laptops, and more
Charging Outlets
- In-seat outlets (110V at 60Hz) in Business Premier, Premium Economy, and Economy classes on B777-300 and B787-9 aircraft
- Accepts multiple plug types (adapters required for British plugs)
Wi-Fi
- Free in-flight Wi-Fi (international and domestic)
- Browsing, emails, social media allowed (streaming and high-data services restricted)
Entertainment
- Personal on-demand entertainment screens
- Movies, TV shows, and documentaries
Connection Instructions
- Switch device to Flight Mode.
- Join “AirNZ_InflightWiFi.”
- Visit wifi.airnz.com and follow instructions.
British Airways
Devices Supported
- All devices capable of connecting to Wi-Fi (one device per package)
Charging Outlets
- EU, UK, and USA sockets available (adapters required for some setups)
Wi-Fi Packages
- Messaging Package:
- Free for Executive Club members
- £1.99-£2.99 for non-members (short-haul flights)
- £2.99-£4.99 for non-members (long-haul flights)
- Browse and Stream Package:
- Free for First Class travelers
- £4.99-£11.99 for short-haul flights
- £4.99-£21.99 for long-haul flights
Entertainment
- High Life on demand (movies, TV shows, and more)
- Free messaging for Executive Club members on all connected flights
Connection Instructions
- Turn on Wi-Fi and select “BAWIFI.”
- Open browser to access the “High Life Connect” portal.
- Choose a package and complete payment.
Cathay Pacific
Devices Supported
- Tablets, laptops, mobile phones
Charging Outlets
- Power outlets and USB ports available in all classes
Wi-Fi
- Complimentary Wi-Fi for First and Business class passengers
- Paid options available:
- £7.50 (USD 9.95) for 1-hour continuous use
- £10 (USD 12.95) for flights under six hours
- £15.50 (USD 19.95) for flights over six hours
Entertainment
- 3,000+ hours of movies, TV shows, music, and games
- Live sports on A350 aircraft
Connection Instructions
- Connect to “OnAir WiFi” network.
- Log in or purchase a plan.
- Follow on-screen prompts.
Delta Air Lines
Devices Supported
- Bluetooth devices, laptops, mobile phones, tablets (in airplane mode)
Charging Outlets
- AC power outlets and USB ports at most seats
Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members (domestic flights)
- International Wi-Fi passes available for purchase
- Free messaging via iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp
Entertainment
- 1,000+ hours of free entertainment (movies, live TV, podcasts, and more)
Connection Instructions
- Connect to “deltawifi.com.”
- Log in using SkyMiles credentials.
Emirates
Devices Supported
- CD players, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and more (in-flight mode)
Charging Outlets
- USB ports and power outlets (MacBook charging not available in Economy)
Wi-Fi Packages
- Unlimited Chat: £2 (USD 2.99)
- Full-flight Internet: £7.50 (USD 9.99) to £15.50 (USD 19.99)
- Free Wi-Fi for Emirates Skywards members (varies by tier)
Entertainment
- Up to 6,500 channels on “ICE” entertainment system
- Live TV and sports
Connection Instructions
- Connect to “OnAir WiFi.”
- Log in with Emirates Skywards details.
- Choose and purchase a plan or use complimentary options.
Singapore Airlines
Devices Supported
- iPads, tablets, small electronic devices, mobile phones
Charging Outlets
- USB ports and power outlets supporting multiple plug types
Wi-Fi Plans
- One-hour surf: £3 ($3.99)
- Three-hour surf: £7 ($8.99)
- Full flight surf: £12.50 ($15.99)
- Unlimited Wi-Fi for Suites, First Class, Business Class, and certain KrisFlyer members
Connection Instructions
- Connect to “KrisWorld.”
- Enter details in “Complimentary Wi-Fi” section.
Turkish Airlines
Devices Supported
- Laptops, tablets, and smartphones
- High-bandwidth applications supported
Charging Outlets
- Universal power outlets and USB ports in all classes (A330 and B777 aircraft)
- USB Type-A and Type-C outlets on seatback screens
Wi-Fi Packages
- Complimentary for Business Class passengers and Miles&Smiles Elite members
- Paid options:
- £3.50 ($5) for unlimited messaging
- £6 ($8) for 100 MB
- £11.50 ($15) for 250 MB
- £11.50 ($15) for unlimited internet (short haul)
- £27 ($35) for unlimited internet (long haul)
Entertainment
- Planet Inflight Entertainment system with movies, music, and kids’ TV
- Inflight music platform featuring over 2,000 artists
Connection Instructions
- Connect to the in-flight wireless network.
- Log in or purchase an internet pass.
- Follow the on-screen steps for connection.
Qatar Airways
Devices Supported
- E-readers, tablets, and smartphones (802.11 wireless capability required)
Charging Outlets
- USB and laptop power outlets available at every seat
Wi-Fi Packages
- Pre-purchase internet for £6 ($8) during online check-in
- Paid options available in-flight starting at £7.50 ($10)
- Privilege Club members: 1-hour complimentary access
- Student Club members: Unlimited complimentary access
Entertainment
- Oryx One system with up to 8,000 entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, audio, and games
Connection Instructions
- Switch device to “Airplane/Flight mode.”
- Connect to “OryxComms” or use roaming services (OnAir or AeroMobile).
- Open the in-flight Wi-Fi portal and enter your access code.