Flying is stressful, no matter how eager you are to reach your destination, and it can be boring beyond all belief. You get so used to constant internet access that the inability to pull out your phone or use your laptop is a downer, particularly during trips that last longer than a couple of hours. You can ease the burden of your boredom while enjoying all the Wi-Fi you could ever want, though, and there are plenty of reasons to treat yourself to a stable connection at 39,000 feet.

Entertaining Yourself During the Flight


Most planes have in-flight entertainment options, such as movies, TV shows, and games that you can play on your personal screen. However, the selections don't necessarily contain the latest blockbusters. You never know if your screen will even work properly.

Treating yourself to a Wi-Fi connection puts you in control of your amusement during the flight. Access your Netflix app to watch the movies and shows you want. Play games on your phone, tablet, or laptop. You can even use those long hours to catch up on assignments for your job or schoolwork. That's not exactly entertaining, but it's time well spent.

Checking in Early and Efficiently


Have you ever experienced the panic of being on a delayed flight, fruitlessly worrying about the tight connection you're probably about to miss? With in-flight Wi-Fi, you can check-in ahead of time, which saves precious seconds. You can skip the line once you finally land and rush to make your connecting flight.

Frequent flyers benefit from a Wi-Fi connection, but both those who fly often and those who rarely take to the skies know that many airlines are stingy with their internet access. Instead of putting up with the excuses and hoping for the best, check with your cellphone carrier about hot spots, VPS, and personal servers. Research other carriers, too. For example, you can get online using T-Mobile's Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi regardless of whether you're a customer. You might have a cellphone plan with someone else, but you can take advantage of T-Mobile's 4G LTE network in the air.

Planning Your Itinerary


When planning a vacation, whether it's a short jaunt or a long getaway, it's easy to get so caught up in the details of booking tickets, reserving a hotel, and packing that planning your stay takes a backseat. How many times have you landed in a new city only to discover that you don't know where to go, what to do, which restaurants are worth it, and which attractions are the most exciting?
With access to Wi-Fi on the plane, you can use your flight time for city research. Google your destination to find out what you shouldn't miss and what events are happening while you're in town, or pull up apps that help with making to-do lists. You can also buy tickets for events, make restaurant reservations, and pinpoint local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Staying in Touch


Your family and friends worry about you when you travel. It doesn't matter how often you do it or where you're going. The people who love you care about your well-being. Having in-flight Wi-Fi allows you to reach out and let everyone know about delays or early arrivals. You can arrange a pickup or assure your loved ones that you're just dealing with a delay and everything is fine.

You can also spend the flight talking to your pals. Play with Snapchat, send text messages, or record Boomerang videos for Instagram. It will feel like your friends are right there with you.

Purchasing a device or a plan that allows you to connect to Wi-Fi even when you're tens of thousands of feet in the air is worth it. The first time you can send a text, research your destination, and use your favorite apps in the air, you'll wonder how you ever flew without a consistent internet connection. Plan ahead for how you'll stay connected on your next flight, and look forward to passing the time online.