Having an Internet connection during a flight is not very common, but the truth is that more and more airlines do offer this possibility. Some may even give a free voucher for each passenger. But of course, the main problem is that these bonuses usually have a limit that can even be as low as 10 MB. What can we do today with something so scarce? Certainly little, since by opening a web page or loading a small video for a few seconds we could already consume a large part of that. So how can we save Wi-Fi data during a flight?
Why is having Internet on airplanes a problem
There are two ways in which there can be Internet in an airplane: through ground antennas and through satellite . The first option is possible, for example, on a flight within Spain or on the same continent. However, in case of a flight from Spain to America, for example, there is no other option than to use satellite Internet.
This represents a significant cost for the airlines , in addition to there being great limitations in terms of speed. That is why it is normal for them to offer data by paying or through a voucher that is usually 10 to 50 MB on many occasions. This is a problem because even without doing anything we can exhaust that data.
Take the case of a 10 MB bond . We connect to Wi-Fi and suddenly we receive a heavy video on WhatsApp or an application begins to update. Without being able to do anything, we will automatically have used up the bonus and we will no longer be able to connect during the entire flight.
Therefore, having the Internet on a flight can be a problem, especially if we make mistakes like the ones we have described. However, all is not lost. We are going to tell you how to have Internet and be able to be in contact with others throughout the flight, even if the voucher is only 10 MB.
Use a firewall to save data
We can install a firewall or firewall on our mobile or computer and be able to have Internet only through those services that really interest us. It is undoubtedly a very interesting way to save data and that the limited bonus can last us for hours, although the time will depend on how much data we download, of course.
We can find a large number of options for both computer and mobile. However, in the case of mobile devices on many occasions they request root access and this can be a problem. We have tested the NetGuard application for Android, and it has worked very well. A 10MB voucher lasted an entire 9 hour flight. Sure, configuring it properly.
What do we mean by configuring the firewall ? It is important that we block all connections except what we are actually going to use. Take WhatsApp, for example, to be able to be in contact with family and friends during the flight without running out of data. After all, sending text consumes very little. Another thing would be wanting to send or receive videos and photos, in addition to audios.
Therefore, the idea would be to block everything except WhatsApp. This can also be applied to other messaging programs that we have or even some application that we may need, as long as it is something that is not going to consume a lot of data. We must forget, for example, to use social networks such as Instagram, since they load many images and videos and it would not last us at all.
Tips to save Wi-Fi
But what if we have a somewhat higher bonus and we simply want to save Wi-Fi data but without going to the extreme? We can also take into account some tips that will undoubtedly help us to avoid excessive consumption. Keep in mind that when connecting via Wi-Fi, our mobile could download a large amount of data without us noticing.
Limit updates
The first thing is to limit the updates . This includes the operating system itself and also the applications. At least during the time that we are flying and where we do not want to consume a lot of data. By default, the mobile phone usually downloads available updates whenever it connects to a Wi-Fi network.
Let’s think about an update of any application. It can easily consume 30 or 50 MB at a time. But even more so if it is an update for Android, for example. We can talk about even several hundred MB if it is a major update.
Therefore, we must previously configure our device and prevent it from automatically downloading updates. This will save data and avoid problems.
Configure messaging programs
We must also configure messaging programs such as WhatsApp , for example. We must prevent it from automatically downloading the videos or photos that you send us. This is precisely what you consume the most in this type of program and we could end the data bonus during the flight in a matter of seconds.
But we can also apply this to social networks like Twitter. Applications usually have settings to not load images or videos and only display the text. In this way we will consume much less and we will extend that limited data bonus.
Download previously what you will need
Another tip is to download everything that will be used during the flight in advance. For example series or movies that we are going to see, PDF files, even a complete web page … In this way we will avoid having to pull the Wi-Fi data voucher and we can dedicate it to other things.
Keep in mind that everything adds up, but especially video files are what occupy the most. Downloading or preloading the movies or any video that we are going to see can help reduce data consumption.
In short, with these tips you will be able to make the Wi-Fi data bond on a flight last longer and be able to take advantage of it more. The main thing is to install a firewall and be able to block connections, since that will allow us to choose which applications we want to consume data. But we have also seen other basic recommendations that may be useful.
