Being able to connect to airline WiFi is another activity you can do while flying, whether that be for productivity or entertainment. Services similar to Southwest WiFi have made it easier than ever to check email, browse social media, or even get some work done at 30,000 feet. But that convenience is not without risk. Public networks (like airports) are unsecured, leaving you and your personal information at risk of cyber attacks. This guide will take you through the airplane WiFi risks and easy steps to safeguard yourself.
How Airline WiFi Works
Before we delve into the dangers, a quick aside: How are you getting internet in the sky in the first place? There are two main technologies:
- Air-to-Ground (ATG): This works just as your mobile does. Antennas on the bottom of the plane link up with cell towers on the ground. It works over land, but it loses signal over large bodies of water.
- Satellite: The plane links up to satellites that orbit the Earth. This has coverage over seas and desolate lands, but with at times higher latencies (slower response time) than ATG systems.
Today, many airlines have a mix of both services to ensure the most reliable connection.
Why Airline WiFi is Risky
Public Wi-Fi is exactly what that would-be hacker needs to access your personal information. Here are the primary plane WiFi security threats to keep in mind:
- Unencrypted Connections: Several in-flight WiFi networks lack strong encryption. This means the information you’re sending and receiving, such as passwords or confidential messages, can be picked up more easily by someone else on the same network.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: The hackers can intercept your device and the internet. They are then free to observe, manipulate, or plunder your data without you ever realizing it. It’s a standard risk on public networks, and a VPN is the best method of protection.
- Fake or “Evil Twin” Hotspots: Scammers may deploy fake WiFi networks with names that appear legitimate (e.g., “Free_Airline_WiFi”). If you do, they can snoop on all your traffic. In 2024, a man was arrested for setting up these rogue networks on domestic flights and convincing passengers to connect only to steal their data.
If you are trying to access work files or even just want to get Pinterest unblocked, those risks could easily make a productive flight into a nightmare security event.
Airline WiFi Security Statistics
The data highlights significant risks associated with public networks, including in-flight connections.
| Statistic | Value |
| VPN Usage Statistics on Public Wi-Fi | |
| Percentage of users who use VPNs on public Wi-Fi | 30% |
| Likelihood of data interception on unsecured public Wi-Fi | 75% |
| Average cost of a data breach for businesses | $4.24 million |
| Cybersecurity Threats on Airline Wi-Fi | |
| Percentage of airline Wi-Fi networks lacking proper encryption | 60% |
| Success rate of man-in-the-middle attacks on public Wi-Fi | 40% |
| Average number of cyberattacks detected daily on public networks | 2,200 |
| Protection Measures and Effectiveness | |
| Effectiveness of VPNs in preventing data interception | 95% |
| Reduction in risk of malware infections with updated security software | 80% |
| Percentage of users who verify HTTPS before entering sensitive info | 20% |
How to Protect Yourself
The good news is you can stay safe while using airline WiFi. Well, here are five easy tips for securing your connection:
- Get a VPN: Your best weapon for airline WiFi safety is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It uses encryption to secure your internet connection and keep you safe online. This renders it unreadable to any eavesdropper. While other competitors, such as CyberGhost and NordVPN, are getting a lot of business, we offer our service designed for speed to ensure you get the proper streaming experience even on the slowest airline connection.
- Verify HTTPS: Always verify that the URL of the website you are about to enter your account data on starts with “https://” before entering any sensitive information. That “s” you see stands for “secure,” signaling that your connection to that particular website is encrypted.
- Update Security Programs Now: Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware programs are current. These programs guard your device from threats that may sneak through an unsecured network.
- Verify Network Names: Verify the official WiFi network name by asking a flight crew member or checking the airline’s official materials before connecting. Do not join networks with generic or slightly different names from the official one.
- Use the “Public Network” Setting: When you connect to a new Wi-Fi network on Windows 10, your operating system will prompt you to say whether you’re using the network at home or in a public place. Always select “Public Network.” It is set to decrease the visibility of your device and prevent some types of connections.
Fly Securely
Today, in-flight connectivity is not a luxury but an essential characteristic of the air traveler’s experience. The dangers of airplane WiFi are real, but they’re manageable. Taking these basic precautions, including running a trusted VPN, will help keep you online and active without putting your safety in danger.