Your Ultimate Alaska Airlines In-Flight Entertainment Guide: Stay Connected & Entertained!

Long flights can sometimes feel like an eternity, leaving you wondering how to pass the time. But what if your journey could be an opportunity to catch up on your favorite shows, dive into a new movie, or simply stay connected with the world below? Alaska Airlines understands this, offering a robust in-flight entertainment system designed to make your travel experience enjoyable and engaging.

This comprehensive Alaska Airlines In Flight Entertainment Guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from accessing free content on your personal devices to understanding Wi-Fi options. Get ready to transform your flight into a personal entertainment hub!

How Alaska Airlines In-Flight Entertainment Works

Forget the days of tiny, unreliable seatback screens. Alaska Airlines primarily utilizes a streaming entertainment system that allows you to access a vast library of content directly on your own Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This means you're in control of your entertainment experience from start to finish.

Bringing Your Own Device is Key

To enjoy Alaska Airlines' in-flight entertainment, your personal device is your ticket to a world of movies and TV shows. Most aircraft are equipped with this streaming system, so ensure your device is charged and ready before you board.

Connecting to the Entertainment System

The process is straightforward:

1. Enable Airplane Mode: Once onboard, put your device in airplane mode.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Turn on your device's Wi-Fi and select the "Alaska_WiFi" or "gogoinflight" network.
3. Access the Portal: Open your web browser (like Safari, Chrome, or Microsoft Edge) and navigate to AlaskaWiFi.com.
4. Browse & Enjoy: From there, you can browse the extensive entertainment library and start watching.

It's important to note that you typically do not need a specific Alaska Airlines app to access the free entertainment library; it's usually accessible through your device's web browser. However, some older systems might have used the Gogo Video player app, so it's always a good idea to have the Alaska Airlines app downloaded just in case.

What Content Can You Expect?

Alaska Airlines offers a generous selection of content to keep you entertained, whether you're on a short hop or a longer journey.

Movies and TV Shows Galore

You'll find a library of over 800 to 1000 free movies and TV shows available for your enjoyment. This extensive collection includes popular titles and a variety of genres, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Partner Content & More

Beyond the standard movies and TV series, Alaska Airlines also partners with various content providers. You might find selections from HGTV, Food Network, Rebel Girls, American Indian Film Institute, Vooks, and Sub Pop, adding even more variety to your viewing options.

Live TV?

While the primary focus is on on-demand streaming, some sources suggest the possibility of live TV options, allowing you to tune into current news or sporting events directly from your device.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity: Staying Connected Above the Clouds

Beyond entertainment, Alaska Airlines offers Wi-Fi services that allow you to stay connected with the ground.

Wi-Fi Availability and Cost

Alaska Airlines provides Wi-Fi on nearly all of its flights, with some exceptions for specific aircraft types (like certain 737-9 Max and all Q400 planes).

The cost for Wi-Fi is quite affordable. On most flights equipped with "Streaming-Fast Wi-Fi," you can enjoy internet access for a flat rate of $8 per flight, regardless of flight length. For aircraft with "Basic Wi-Fi," prices can range from $8 to as much as $24.99, depending on the aircraft.

What can you do with this Wi-Fi?

• Streaming: On "Streaming-Fast Wi-Fi" enabled flights, you can stream content from services like Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify, though video quality might be reduced to standard definition.
• Browsing & Chatting: You can browse the web, access online music, games, and connect to virtual private networks (VPNs).
• Free Texting: A fantastic perk is free texting on all Wi-Fi-equipped flights. You can use apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with loved ones without purchasing full internet access. Note that SMS messages, photos, or videos via these apps are not supported, and voice or video calls (like FaceTime or Zoom) are not allowed.

T-Mobile Benefit

Are you a T-Mobile customer? You might be eligible for free in-flight Wi-Fi on Alaska Airlines flights! Eligibility depends on your specific T-Mobile plan, with some plans offering unlimited free sessions and others providing a set number of full-flight sessions or hourly access.

Subscription Plans

For frequent flyers, monthly and annual internet subscriptions are also available, offering unlimited access on Alaska Airlines flights.

Tips for a Smooth In-Flight Entertainment Experience

To make the most of your Alaska Airlines in-flight entertainment:

• Charge Your Devices: This is paramount! Ensure your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged before your flight. Consider bringing a portable power bank for longer journeys.
• Bring Your Headphones: Alaska Airlines does not provide free headphones. You'll need your own wired or wireless headphones to enjoy the audio content without disturbing fellow passengers. If you forget, headphones are available for purchase for around $3.
• Download Apps (Just in Case): While the main entertainment is browser-based, having the Alaska Airlines app and potentially the Gogo Entertainment app downloaded beforehand can be a good backup.
• Connect Early: On most aircraft with satellite Wi-Fi, you can connect to the Wi-Fi network and start enjoying entertainment as soon as you settle into your seat, even on the ground. For basic internet service, you might need to wait until shortly after takeoff.
• Be Mindful of Wi-Fi Limitations: While "Streaming-Fast Wi-Fi" allows for streaming, remember that internet speeds at 35,000 feet can have brief interruptions and may not always be as fast as on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alaska Airlines have seatback screens?

No, Alaska Airlines generally does not feature seatback screens. Their in-flight entertainment system is primarily designed for streaming content to your personal electronic devices.

Do I need to pay for movies and TV shows on Alaska Airlines?

No, the extensive library of movies and TV shows offered by Alaska Airlines through its streaming entertainment system is free for all passengers to access on their personal devices.

Can I use my own streaming services like Netflix or Hulu on an Alaska Airlines flight?

Yes, on most flights equipped with "Streaming-Fast Wi-Fi," you can stream live video and audio from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Spotify. However, be aware that video streaming quality may be reduced to standard definition.

Is Wi-Fi available on all Alaska Airlines flights?

Wi-Fi is available on nearly all Alaska Airlines flights. Some exceptions include select 737-9 Max aircraft and all Q400 aircraft, which may not yet be equipped with an onboard internet system. Additionally, satellite Wi-Fi may be unavailable above the Arctic Circle and parts of Alaska, or when flying over certain regions of Mexico, Hawaii, and Costa Rica.

Conclusion

Flying with Alaska Airlines doesn't mean disconnecting from your favorite entertainment or the outside world. With a robust streaming entertainment system offering hundreds of free movies and TV shows, coupled with affordable Wi-Fi options and complimentary texting, your journey can be as entertaining as your destination. Remember to charge your devices, bring your headphones, and connect to AlaskaWiFi.com to unlock a world of in-flight enjoyment.

What's your go-to movie or TV show for a flight? Share your tips for a great in-flight entertainment experience in the comments below!