How to Access Airplane WiFi With a VPN for Safe Browsing
Reading time: 19 min
Updated on September 04, 2023
Navigating the internet while soaring at over 30,000 feet is thrilling but also risky as it exposes you to prying eyes on the flight. Even streaming home services like Netflix can be dangerous. A VPN on airplane WiFi can be your digital shield, but not just any VPN will do.
Most VPN services fall short of securing your data on airplane WiFi, which has the same vulnerabilities as public WiFi — anyone aboard can potentially hack your device. I rigorously tested 25 of the industry’s leading VPNs and picked the best ones for airplane WiFi.
ExpressVPN is my top choice for airplane WiFi. Its robust encryption, unmatched speed, and strong security offer fast and reliable connections during flights. You can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Use airplane WiFi with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Access Airplane WiFi With a VPN
- Download a VPN. I suggest using ExpressVPN on airplane WiFi as it’s the best all-around VPN with fast speeds and military-grade security.
- Connect to a server. Pick a nearby server to get the fastest speeds.
- That’s it! Now you can browse the internet safely on airplane WiFi.
Use ExpressVPN on airplane WiFi
Why Should I Use a VPN to Access Airplane WiFi?
A VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to hide your online activities from prying eyes on the airplane’s network. It also offers:
- Protection from threats — airplane WiFi is public, increasing your exposure to cyber threats. A VPN encrypts your data, shielding you from potential hackers.
- Online privacy — a VPN masks your IP address, ensuring your online activities remain private from advertisers or any third-party entities.
- Stable connection — some VPNs can stabilize your connection, reducing the chances of intermittent connectivity while in the air.
- Home servers — whether it’s catching up on local news or checking a region-specific app, a VPN lets you access home services seamlessly.
Stream on flights with ExpressVPN
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best VPNs for Using Airplane WiFi With a VPN
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN to Browse the Internet Safely on Airplane WiFi
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia
- Keeps you secure with private DNS, RAM-only servers, military-grade encryption, lPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, browsers, and more
- Protects up to 8 devices simultaneously on airplane WiFi
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN to use on airplane WiFi. Its TrustedServer technology runs the entire system on volatile RAM so that your data can’t be written on its servers. Plus, its ultra-fast speeds give you lag-free UHD streams even on a slightly fluctuating airplane network.
When airborne, ExpressVPN can access your usual streaming accounts that may otherwise be inaccessible when you’re abroad. Its 3,000+ servers in 105 countries provide global coverage, so you can dive into your favorite content during your flight. It also replaces any blacklisted IP addresses to stay ahead of the latest geo-blocks and can access:
| Netflix US | Max | CBC | SlingTV |
| Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | 9Now | ESPN |
| Hulu | Kodi | BBC iPlayer | DAZN |
In my speed tests, ExpressVPN clocked impressive speeds averaging 93Mbps on distant servers in the US and Australia. I watched 4 Stranger Things episodes back to back without a hint of lag. Its proprietary Lightway protocol minimizes packet loss and keeps your connection stable even if the airplane WiFi stutters.
While using airplane WiFi, ExpressVPN’s IPv6 leak protection protects you from snoopers on your flight. All 15 servers I tested passed my DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests. Besides this, ExpressVPN protects you with:
- Kill switch — protects against unintended data leaks if the VPN connection drops, essential when the in-flight connection is unstable.
- 256-bit encryption — hides your internet traffic with a military-grade cipher to make it inaccessible to hackers even if it’s somehow intercepted.
- Private DNS — handles your DNS queries inside the encrypted tunnel, ensuring you’re not vulnerable to network spies.
- Privacy-friendly location — ensures that your data isn’t subject to data retention laws due to being based in the British Virgin Islands.
- Split tunneling — lets you choose apps to bypass the VPN, granting you flexibility during intermittent connectivity.
One minor drawback with ExpressVPN is its slightly steeper price tag compared to its peers. However, you get more than what you pay for and the extra cost pales in comparison to the blazing-fast speeds, impeccable security suite, and hassle-free streaming it provides.
I recommend the 2-year + 4 months free plan to get a % discount at per month. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I submitted a request via live chat and got my refund in just 3 days — the live chat agent didn’t ask any questions or convince me to stay.
Get ExpressVPN for airplane WiFi
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers Offer Reliable Streaming on Airplane WiFi
Key Features:
- Has 11,670+ servers in 100 countries with optimized connections for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- Military-grade encryption, NoSpy servers, built-in leak protection, and a kill switch protect you on airplane WiFi
- Works on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- 7 simultaneous connections can secure all your devices on airplane WiFi
- Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost’s streaming servers can reliably access home platforms on airplane WiFi. This makes in-flight entertainment seamless without geo-restrictions getting in the way. It prioritizes data traffic for streaming sites and continuously adapts to VPN blocking measures. Each server is designed to unblock a particular streaming service like:
| Netflix | 10Play | DRTV | ITV |
| BBC iPlayer | RTVE | Disney+ | DAZN |
| 9Now | NFL+ | PeacockTV | Max |
While I found the streaming servers are about 11% faster, even CyberGhost’s regular connections averaged 86Mbps on faraway servers. Even though airplane WiFi is sometimes unreliable, my latency stayed below 43ms. I executed Diluc’s Dawn special move to defeat the mighty Azdaha without a hitch while playing Genshin Impact with CyberGhost on airplane WiFi.
Using CyberGhost in-flight was seamless with its intuitive and consistent interface. For casual browsing, I used its Chrome and Firefox extensions and had no issues connecting to the servers in the 4 countries available. CyberGhost supports 7 simultaneous connections, which was ample for me to protect all my devices on airplane WiFi with:
- NoSpy servers — premium in-house servers that ensure minimal exposure on airplane WiFi to reduce external access risks.
- No-logs policy — guarantees no data retention as it’s based in privacy-friendly Romania, which doesn’t have data retention laws.
- Identity Guard — alerts you to suspicious logins to your email account on unsafe airplane WiFi networks.
- Smart WiFi protection — auto-activates on unfamiliar networks, including airplane WiFi, safeguarding your data from potential snoopers.
A minor con of using CyberGhost is you won’t get torrenting and gaming servers on mobile apps. However, you can still use its streaming servers and binge on Netflix US or YouTube for unlimited in-flight entertainment.
I recommend CyberGhost’s 2-year + 2 months plan — it’s a steal at just per month. What sweetens the deal further is CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, a swift chat with live support gets you a full refund, with no fuss. From my experience, the refund hit my account in just 5 days.
Get CyberGhost for airplane WiFi
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — MACE Protects You From Hackers on Airplane WiFi
Key Features:
- Extensive network of 35,000+ servers in 91 countries for accessing global content on airplane WiFi
- Offers privacy on airplane WiFi with flexible encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and Tor support
- Native apps for all popular platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows
- Encrypt all devices on airplane WiFi with its unlimited simultaneous connections
- Try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA’s MACE ad blocker protects you from malicious ads, malware, and trackers on airplane WiFi. It successfully removed ads on popular sites like LA Times and Forbes and even blocked me from opening suspicious links on spam emails. Apart from that, it protects in-flight web sessions with:
- Flexible encryption — lets you choose between 128- and 256-bit ciphers to improve performance if needed (I suggest using the latter on airplane WiFi).
- InBrowser — PIA’s free browser app on iOS and Android that clears your data and history after the session ends for safe browsing while traveling.
- Tor support — ensures further privacy from airplane WiFi snoopers, so you can route your data through the Tor network after the VPN connection.
Averaging 400+ servers per country, PIA’s massive network has no shortage of IP addresses. With its 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, you can smoothly access essentials like online banking and the following streaming accounts during your flight:
| Paramount+ | C More | BBC iPlayer | Amazon Prime Video |
| Crunchyroll | Canal+ | Hulu | Netflix |
I organized servers by latency to find the fastest PIA connection, but even the slowest servers in Sydney clocked 82Mbps. The figure improved to 85Mbps after switching to the 128-bit encryption protocol. Impressively, the performance didn’t drop despite using it on 10 devices with PIA’s unlimited simultaneous connections.
My only reservation with PIA was its location in the US, a 5 Eyes Alliance member. However, its no-logs policy audited by Deloitte quells those concerns. Plus, PIA uses RAM-only servers incapable of storing data to protect you from potential surveillance.
You should take advantage of the 2-year + 2 months plan’s % discount. Plus, you can try PIA risk-free with its 30-day refund policy. I tested it firsthand by asking for my money back through live chat support — the agent processed it immediately and I was reimbursed in 5 business days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Double VPN Servers Shield You From In-Flight Snoopers
Key Features:
- Network of 6,300+ servers in 111 countries with specialty Tor connections
- Protects in-flight web browsing with CyberSec, Onion over VPN servers, and a no-logs policy
- Has native apps for popular platforms like Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Shields up to 10 devices simultaneously on airplane WiFi
- Makes your purchase risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN’s Double VPN servers make it impossible for in-flight snoopers to spy on you. It encrypts your traffic twice by routing it through 2 distinct servers at once. Even if hackers on your flight somehow intercept your connection, all they’ll see is encrypted gibberish. It further shields you with:
- CyberSec — blocks malicious sites and ads to guard you against potential threats lurking on the shared network.
- RAM-only servers — ensures your in-flight browsing sessions can’t be saved by NordVPN.
- Onion over VPN servers — routes your traffic through the Onion network after the initial VPN encryption to give you multi-layered security on airplane WiFi.
In speed tests, NordVPN’s servers in Canada averaged 80Mbps download speeds. This is due to NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol, which merges the speed of WireGuard with NordVPN’s custom double-layered encryption. With these speeds, I streamed UHD city tours on YouTube and video-conferenced with my work team without lag.
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers give you unfettered access to your accounts even while passing through restrictive countries. Besides its 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, the Double VPN, P2P, and Onion over VPN specialty servers are tailored for enhanced security on airplane WiFi and accessing sites like:
| Max | Hulu | Amazon Prime Video | Crunchyroll |
| BBC iPlayer | Vudu | Hotstar | CBC |
A minor issue with NordVPN is that its Double VPN servers can reduce speeds. Even with this dip, I torrented a public-domain movie, Metropolis, in just 5 minutes. However, the security of a single 256-bit encryption will suffice for most in-flight tasks, making Double VPN an optional perk.
I recommend NordVPN’s 2-year + 3 months plan as it comes with a 74% discount. If you change your mind, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. When I sought a refund, the live chat support agent promptly processed my request after a quick verification, with no persuasion. The refund appeared in my account within 7 days.
5. Surfshark — Invisible to Devices Ensures Stealthy Browsing on Unsafe Airplane WiFi
Key Features:
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries to access home content during your flight
- Includes Camouflage and NoBorders mode, IP address rotation, GPS Override, and military-grade encryption
- User-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more
- Leverage its unlimited simultaneous connections on airplane networks
- Offers a 7-day free trial on mobile apps and a 30-day refund policy
Surfshark’s Invisible to Devices feature cloaks you from other users on airplane WiFi. This means while you’re browsing in-flight, you’re shielded from potential eavesdroppers to ensure a discreet online experience. While this feature is only available on Windows and Android devices, Surfshark protects your privacy on all apps with:
- IP address rotation — changes your IP address at regular intervals to keep trackers off your tail and ensure your in-flight browsing activities remain anonymous.
- Camouflage and NoBorders mode — disguises your VPN traffic as regular data for seamlessly accessing home content while traveling over restrictive countries like Turkey.
Surfshark ensures you can protect all your devices on airplane WiFi with its unlimited simultaneous connections. The consistency of its interface across all apps meant that I smoothly transitioned from my Android to my laptop, never hunting for settings.
I noticed Surfshark wasn’t as fast as ExpressVPN on distant servers in the US, Canada, and Australia. I experienced minor stuttering during my weekend binging session. However, you can reduce packet loss on airplane WiFi by connecting to a nearby server to get fast speeds for bandwidth-heavy tasks.
Despite being one of the most affordable monthly VPNs, I recommend Surfshark’s 2-year + 4 months plan as it offers a 87% discount. You can try it risk-free with its 30-day refund policy. When I decided to test this guarantee, reaching out via live chat made the process painless. The agent promptly processed my request after a quick chat, and I had my money back in 7 days.
Get Surfshark for airplane WiFi
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Accessing Airplane WiFi
| VPN | Servers in countries | Maximum speed drop | Device connections | Obfuscated servers | Refund |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 7% | 8 | ✔ | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | 11,670+ servers in 100 countries | 14% | 7 | ✘ | 45 days |
| PIA | 35,000+ servers in 91 countries | 18% | Unlimited | ✘ | 30 days |
| NordVPN | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries | 20% | 10 | ✔ | 30 days |
| Surfshark | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 26% | Unlimited | ✔ | 30 days |
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Accessing Airplane WiFi
To determine the best VPNs for airplane WiFi, I tested for these specific features that make a difference at over 30,000 feet.
- Server network — a large server network lets you find a nearby server, which can lead to better connectivity and speeds while flying.
- Obfuscated servers — these servers mask VPN traffic, making it look like regular browsing. This is essential on airplane WiFi networks that might block VPN usage.
- Speeds — with potential bandwidth constraints in the sky, having a fast VPN ensures smooth streaming and browsing.
- Security and privacy — when using a shared network like airplane WiFi, strong encryption and no-logs policies are paramount for your safety.
- Compatibility — make sure your VPN works seamlessly across all your devices — here are the top VPNs that work on all popular platforms.
- Money-back guarantee — this lets you test a VPN’s performance without financial risk, ensuring it meets your in-flight needs.
Secure in-flight browsing with ExpressVPN
FAQs on How to Access Airplane WiFi With a VPN
Is using a VPN legal on an airplane?
Yes, it’s legal, especially while traveling over oceans. In this case, airplane WiFi uses a satellite connection to provide internet access. Still, a reliable VPN protects you from unintended breaches as jurisdictions and laws can get blurry while flying.
On land, airplane WiFi is sourced from cell towers on the ground. This is when you’re subject to the laws of every country your plane passes over. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to avoid unintended breaches and use a VPN responsibly in alignment with laws.
Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN to access airplane WiFi?
You can, but it’s risky. That’s why I highly recommend using one of the top VPNs I’ve listed. Proxies often lack the encryption that VPNs provide, leaving your data exposed to interception. While a proxy might bypass some geo-restrictions, it doesn’t shield your data from potential snoopers. In contrast, VPNs provide better security, privacy, speeds, and unblocking abilities.
Is it safe to connect to airplane WiFi?
No, airplane WiFi is akin to using unsecured public WiFi. Unless you connect to a VPN with these easy steps, you expose yourself to potential eavesdroppers and hackers who might be on the same network. This could lead to unauthorized access to your personal information or even identity theft. Using a VPN mitigates this risk substantially.
Can I use a VPN in airplane mode?
Yes, as long as the airplane WiFi is working. I prefer using ExpressVPN as it has auto-connect, which automatically turns the VPN on when you join a network. While enabling airplane mode to turn off all wireless communications, you can manually turn the WiFi back on without disabling airplane mode.
How do I check if my VPN works?
You can use this online IP checker tool. It should display an IP address from the region of your VPN server, not your actual location. If the address matches your real location, your VPN isn’t working correctly. It may be leaking your data outside the encrypted tunnel. I always run DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests to check a VPN’s reliability.
Is it safe to use a free VPN on airplane WiFi?
No, most free VPNs can’t keep you safe on airplane WiFi. Instead, you should use a reliable paid option like CyberGhost free for 45 days with its money-back guarantee.
Free VPNs sound tempting for temporary traveling, but saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking your sensitive data like credit card details to hackers on airplane WiFi. While some free VPNs are safe to use, they’re limited by data caps, unreliable connections, and slow speeds.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Use a VPN (That Works) With Airplane WiFi in 2024
It’s frustrating being unable to stream your favorite shows or do online banking while cruising in the air. Unfortunately, airplane WiFi isn’t exactly the pinnacle of security — your sensitive data might as well be displayed on the in-flight entertainment screen. While a VPN can protect your connection, not all are up to the challenge of safeguarding you on airplane WiFi.
After testing several top brands, ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation to protect yourself from potential in-flight data snoops. Its top-tier encryption, unblocking potential, server network, and speed make it the best overall VPN. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Summary — Best VPNs for Accessing Airplane WiFi in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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