The rise of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, and Netflix is one of the most popular platforms out there. With its vast library of content, it’s no wonder that many of us want to stay entertained even when we’re on the go – or in this case, 30,000 feet in the air. But can you watch Netflix on a plane without WIFI? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and limitations of streaming on a plane.
Understanding In-Flight Entertainment Options
Before we dive into the specifics of watching Netflix on a plane, let’s take a look at the in-flight entertainment options available to us. Most commercial airlines offer some form of entertainment on board, ranging from movies and TV shows to music and games. However, these options are often limited, and the selection may not be as vast as what we’re used to on the ground.
Some airlines offer in-flight WIFI, which allows passengers to connect to the internet and stream content from their personal devices. However, this service is not always available, and even when it is, the connection can be slow and unreliable. This is where the question of watching Netflix on a plane without WIFI comes in.
Netflix’s Offline Viewing Feature
In 2016, Netflix introduced an offline viewing feature that allows users to download content for offline viewing. This feature is available on both iOS and Android devices, and it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to watch Netflix on the go – or in this case, on a plane.
To use Netflix’s offline viewing feature, you’ll need to download the Netflix app on your device and make sure you have a stable internet connection. Once you’ve downloaded the content you want to watch, you can access it offline, without the need for WIFI or a cellular connection.
How to Download Netflix Content for Offline Viewing
Downloading Netflix content for offline viewing is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Netflix app on your device and sign in to your account.
- Select the content you want to download and click on the “Download” button.
- Choose the quality of the download – Standard or High.
- Wait for the content to download. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the file and your internet connection.
Watching Netflix on a Plane Without WIFI
Now that we’ve covered Netflix’s offline viewing feature, let’s talk about watching Netflix on a plane without WIFI. As long as you’ve downloaded the content you want to watch before your flight, you can access it offline and watch it on the plane.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your device is fully charged before your flight, as you won’t be able to charge it on the plane. Secondly, consider investing in a portable power bank to keep your device charged during the flight.
Airlines’ Policies on In-Flight Entertainment
While Netflix’s offline viewing feature makes it possible to watch Netflix on a plane without WIFI, it’s worth noting that some airlines have policies in place that restrict the use of personal devices during takeoff and landing.
For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires passengers to turn off their devices during takeoff and landing, or put them in airplane mode. This means that you won’t be able to watch Netflix during these times, even if you’ve downloaded the content for offline viewing.
Airlines That Offer In-Flight WIFI
While we’re on the topic of in-flight entertainment, it’s worth noting that some airlines offer in-flight WIFI, which allows passengers to stream content from their personal devices. Here are a few airlines that offer in-flight WIFI:
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin America
Keep in mind that in-flight WIFI is not always available, and even when it is, the connection can be slow and unreliable.
Alternatives to Netflix for In-Flight Entertainment
While Netflix is a popular choice for in-flight entertainment, it’s not the only option available. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Amazon Prime Video: Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video offers an offline viewing feature that allows users to download content for offline viewing.
- Hulu: Hulu offers a range of TV shows and movies, and its app allows users to download content for offline viewing.
- Disney+: Disney+ is a relatively new streaming service that offers a range of content, including movies and TV shows. Its app allows users to download content for offline viewing.
Other In-Flight Entertainment Options
In addition to streaming services, there are other in-flight entertainment options available. Here are a few:
- In-flight movies and TV shows: Most airlines offer a selection of movies and TV shows on board, which can be accessed through the in-flight entertainment system.
- Music and podcasts: Many airlines offer a selection of music and podcasts on board, which can be accessed through the in-flight entertainment system.
- Games: Some airlines offer games on board, which can be accessed through the in-flight entertainment system.
Tablet and Laptop Rentals
Some airlines offer tablet and laptop rentals on board, which can be used to access in-flight entertainment content. Here’s a table summarizing the airlines that offer this service:
| Airline | Device Rental Options |
|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Tablet rentals available on select flights |
| American Airlines | Laptop rentals available on select flights |
| United Airlines | Tablet rentals available on select flights |
Conclusion
Watching Netflix on a plane without WIFI is possible, thanks to the service’s offline viewing feature. By downloading content before your flight, you can access it offline and watch it on the plane. However, it’s worth noting that some airlines have policies in place that restrict the use of personal devices during takeoff and landing, and in-flight WIFI is not always available.
We hope this article has been helpful in answering your questions about watching Netflix on a plane without WIFI. Happy streaming!
Can I watch Netflix on a plane without Wi-Fi?
You can watch Netflix on a plane without Wi-Fi, but you’ll need to download the content beforehand. Netflix allows users to download select TV shows and movies for offline viewing. This feature is available on both iOS and Android devices.
To download content from Netflix, open the app, select the show or movie you want to watch, and look for the download button. Not all content is available for download, so you may not be able to download everything you want to watch. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure you have enough storage space on your device to accommodate the downloaded content.
How do I download Netflix content for offline viewing?
To download Netflix content for offline viewing, open the Netflix app on your device and select the show or movie you want to watch. If the content is available for download, you’ll see a download button. Tap the download button to start the download process. You can also go to the “Downloads” section of the app to find content that’s available for download.
You can also adjust the video quality of your downloads to save storage space on your device. To do this, go to the “App Settings” section of the Netflix app and select “Download Video Quality.” From there, you can choose from a range of video qualities, from “Standard” to “High.”
Can I watch Netflix on a plane’s in-flight entertainment system?
Some airlines offer Netflix on their in-flight entertainment systems, but this is not a common feature. Even if an airline does offer Netflix, the selection of content may be limited compared to what’s available on the Netflix app.
If you’re planning to watch Netflix on a plane’s in-flight entertainment system, check with the airline beforehand to see if it’s available. You can usually find this information on the airline’s website or by contacting their customer service department.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch Netflix on a plane?
Yes, you need a Netflix subscription to watch Netflix on a plane. If you don’t have a subscription, you won’t be able to download content or access Netflix on the plane’s in-flight entertainment system.
If you’re planning to watch Netflix on a plane, make sure you have a valid subscription and that your account is in good standing. You can check your account status by logging in to the Netflix website or by contacting their customer service department.
Can I watch other streaming services on a plane without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can watch other streaming services on a plane without Wi-Fi, but you’ll need to download the content beforehand. Many streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+, offer offline viewing options.
To download content from other streaming services, follow the same steps as you would for Netflix. Open the app, select the show or movie you want to watch, and look for the download button. Not all content may be available for download, so be sure to check the app’s terms and conditions.
How much storage space do I need to download Netflix content?
The amount of storage space you need to download Netflix content depends on the video quality and the length of the content. Generally, a standard-definition (SD) episode of a TV show takes up around 100-200 MB of storage space, while a high-definition (HD) episode takes up around 500-700 MB.
To give you a better idea, here are some approximate storage space requirements for different types of Netflix content: SD movie: 1-2 GB, HD movie: 2-4 GB, SD TV episode: 100-200 MB, HD TV episode: 500-700 MB. Be sure to check the storage space requirements for the specific content you want to download.