Everything You Need to Know About Gogo Inflight Internet [2017]
Whether you travel in first, business, or economy class, having Wi-Fi access on your flight would probably make it more enjoyable. This can be particularly important on transcontinental flights and long international flights.
Some just want to be able to talk with friends or browse the web, while others are traveling for work; either way, having Wi-Fi inflight could make their lives much easier.
Whether you’re looking for some entertainment or trying to finish a project, Gogo inflight Wi-Fi could be an important part of your flying experience.
Table of contents
What Is Gogo?
Gogo is an inflight broadband Wi-Fi provider that serves 17 airlines and is installed on roughly 2,500 planes.
The Gogo inflight network allows travelers to access the internet to respond to emails, read the news, and much more.
What Airlines Use Gogo?
Airlines from around the world utilize Gogo to provide Wi-Fi access for their passengers.
| Airlines Supported by Gogo | ||
| Aer Lingus | British Airways | JTA |
| Aeromexico | Delta Air Lines | United Airlines |
| Air Canada | Gol Airlines | Vietnam Airlines |
| Alaska Airlines | Hainan Airlines | Virgin America |
| American Airlines | Iberia | Virgin Atlantic |
| Beijing Capital | Japan Airlines | |
How Reliable Is Their Wi-Fi?
The Gogo inflight network has improved significantly since it was first launched on commercial aircraft nearly 10 years ago.
That being said, Wi-Fi speeds remain inconsistent since many planes are still outfitted with air-to-ground (ATG) systems. This is significantly slower than Gogo’s newer satellite system.
On planes using the older ATG systems, load speeds can become frustratingly slow if most people on your flight decide to use Wi-Fi. Since T-Mobile partners with Gogo to provide its customers 1 hour of Wi-Fi for free, this can result in what amounts to a traffic jam on the inflight network.
As Gogo rolls out its newest product, a satellite system known as 2Ku, we hope to see better speed and reliability across the board.
Finally, keep in mind that the Gogo network does not cover the entire globe. If you’re on a long-haul flight, there’s a good chance you’ll cross through a dead zone at some point and lose Wi-Fi access during that part of your flight.
Can You Stream Video Inflight?
Unfortunately, if your flight is utilizing the ATG system, it is not possible to stream video. There is good news, though! The newer 2Ku satellite system does support video.
Hopefully, this means we will be able to stream videos of our choosing soon!
How Much Does Gogo Cost?
Gogo allows you to purchase internet passes and plans prior to flights. If you forget to do so before your flight, you can still purchase a pass inflight.
If you travel on a regular basis, you might be better off purchasing one of their subscription plans. Gogo offers 7 different plans:
| Gogo Subscription Plans | |
| Monthly Airline Plan | $49.95 per month |
| 2-Device Plan | $59.95 per month |
| Monthly Multi-Airline Plan | $59.95 per month |
| Global Multi-Airline Plan | $79.95 per month |
| Global Delta Plan | $69.95 per month |
| Annual Airline Plan | $599.00 per year |
| Annual Multi-Airline Plan | $719.00 per year |
Make sure you read the details about each plan to ensure it covers your needs. If you have a lot of upcoming domestic travel, a global plan might not be necessary. If you will be traveling internationally, though, a global plan would be vital.
Currently, 6 of Gogo’s airline partners participate in these plans: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Virgin America.
You can also purchase an internet pass prior to your flight. There are 3 options: a 1-Hour Pass, an All-Day Pass, and a Delta Global Day Pass.
How Do I Get Free Wi-Fi When Flying?
As you can see from Gogo’s pricing plans above, inflight Wi-Fi is not cheap. Fortunately, there are a couple credit cards that provide Gogo Wi-Fi passes as part of their perks.
If you have The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, you get 10 Gogo passes annually. The US Bank FlexPerks® Visa Signature® Card also provides 12 Gogo passes annually.
Even if you will need more Gogo Wi-Fi passes, knocking out some of the cost is a great benefit from these cards!
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN also provides access to Boingo hotspots in many airports if you need Wi-Fi while waiting for a flight.
Is Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi Worth It?
Whether purchasing Gogo’s inflight Wi-Fi is worth it to you will be determined by several factors.
Business travelers with tight deadlines might find internet access a must on all flights. However, leisure travelers on short flights might see the price and decide they’d be happy to read a book instead.
Final Thoughts
At this point, almost all travelers expect access to an inflight Wi-Fi network. Gogo continues to roll out a better product, but it’s not cheap.
However, staying connected to the world outside their plane can be valuable to travelers of all sorts. Don’t forget that some credit cards like The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN provide internet passes that can help with the cost!
