Forget the dog-eared in-flight magazines and the flickering seat-back screen. Your next flight's entertainment is already in your pocket, thanks to Netflix's download feature. Now, you can binge-watch hours of your favorite Netflix shows and movies on a plane, ready to play on your device, no expensive or unreliable airplane Wi-Fi required.
Imagine soaring above the clouds, completely absorbed in your favorite series without a single moment of buffering. It's not just better travel, it's binge-watching bliss at 30,000 feet. So, how do you watch Netflix on a plane? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Can I use Netflix when I travel? Yes! Learn about VPN tools to access regional libraries or Netflix video downloaders for offline viewing.
Part 1. Can I Watch Netflix on a Plane Without WiFi?
Can you watch Netflix on an airplane? Yes, but with some preparations depending on your devices.
For iPhone/iPad/Android:
The Netflix download is available on a wide range of mobile devices, including iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, and Amazon Fire tablets. Before you can disappear into the world of your favorite series, you'll need to subscribe to a Netflix plan and download Netflix content to your mobile phone or tablet using the Netflix app in advance. It will ensure a smooth, buffer-free viewing experience.
For MacBook and Windows Laptop:
It's a pity to say that the newest version of the Netflix app for Windows from the Microsoft Store has removed the feature for downloading titles. And there has never been an official Netflix app for macOS, so downloading for offline viewing has never been a supported feature. You should use a third-party tool, like StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader, to download your favorite videos to your laptop before you head to the airport for offline viewing.
If you find yourself on a flight with Wi-Fi and haven't had a chance to download anything, you might be able to stream directly from Netflix. However, the WiFi on some airlines can often be slow, unreliable, and expensive, making streaming a frustrating experience. Furthermore, some airlines charge a premium for a streaming-capable connection. If you plan to rely on in-flight Wi-Fi, it's best to check with your airline beforehand about their offerings and pricing.
Part 2. How to Watch Netflix on a Phone on a Plane
So you've got your flight booked, and you're ready to catch up on your favorite Netflix shows and movies while soaring through the clouds. No worries, we've got you covered! Remember to check your subscription plan, set up the Netflix app on your phone, iPad, or your favorite on-the-go device, and download your content ahead of time for a stress-free flight.
Wath Netflix Downloads on Smartphones and Tablets on a Plane:
- Launch the Netflix app on your iPhone, Android phone, or tablet. If you don't have it yet, download it from your app store.
- Browse through the vast library of shows and movies.
- Tap on the title you want to download to open its details page.
- Look for the download icon (it's usually a downward arrow) next to the episode or movie.
- Tap the download icon to start the download process.
Tip: Depending on your internet speed and the size of the content, it might take a bit.
- To find your downloaded content, go to the "Downloads" section within the Netflix app.
- Here, you'll see a list of all the shows and movies you've downloaded for offline viewing.
- When you're on the plane, simply open the Netflix app.
- Go to the "Downloads" section and tap on the show or movie you want to watch.
- Your Netflix subscription plan determines how many titles you can download at once. With the Standard plan, you can download content on two devices simultaneously. For instance, your iPhone and iPad. The Premium plan allows downloads on up to four devices at the same time, perfect for sharing with your household's devices altogether.
- Keep in mind that while your downloaded content will remain accessible during the flight, they come with an expiration date, typically due to licensing agreements. You'll see the expiration date displayed next to each downloaded title in the "Downloads" section of the Netflix app. If a download expires, you'll need to connect to the internet to renew it before your next flight.
But wait, there's more! Want to take your Netflix binge to the next level? Enter StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader. This nifty tool lets you download your favorite Netflix shows and movies directly to your device, no matter where you are. Whether you're using a Windows laptop or a MacBook, StreamUlt makes it simple to build your offline Netflix library.
Part 3. How to Watch Netflix on a Plane on Laptop
If you are using a laptop and want to watch Netflix shows on your next flight without worrying about Wi-Fi or data limits? StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader makes it easy to enjoy your favorite content offline, anytime, anywhere. StreamUlt allows you to permanently download Netflix movies, TV shows, anime, and award-winning series directly to your laptop. Unlike Netflix's built-in download feature, there are no expiration dates or download limits, so you can keep your downloaded content for as long as you like.
Downloaded Netflix videos are saved in popular MP4 and MKV formats at a rapid 5X speed, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. Whether you're using a Windows laptop or a MacBook, you can simply access your downloaded Netflix library directly on your device, no internet connection needed!
Key Features of StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader
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- Download Netflix movies, TV shows and more locally
- Convert Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4 or MKV
- Save multilingual language and subtitles in two types
- Remove ads from Netflix and keep original video quality
How to Download Netflix Movies to Watch on Airplane Offline:
Step 1Sign in with your Netflix account
First thing first, launch StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader on your computer. You should notice the built-in Netflix Web Player within StreamUlt, sign in with your Netflix account and password to access the full functionality. Once Netflix Web Player is accessible, browse through Netflix's vast catalog of movies, TV shows, documentaries, anime, and originals.
Step 2Customize the output video settings for Netflix
Before downloading the content, click the hamburger icon in the top right corner and select "Settings." In the "Download" section, personalize the video format, codec, quality, audio channel, language and more. Additionally, you can choose subtitle types, such as Internal, External, or Hardcoded. Once done, click "OK" to save your settings.
Step 3Select Netflix Content to Download
Close the Settings window and return to the Web Player and find something to download. Use the search bar to find specific content by name, keyword, or code. Alternatively, paste the URL or code of a Netflix TV show or movie to locate your target video. Open the target video you wish to download, you can choose to set advanced download settings again if they haven't been set previously.
Step 4Download Netflix Content to Watch Offline
You can now click "Download" to start downloading, or "Add to List" to download later. Now StreamUlt will automatically download all episodes or select ones for TV shows, as well as the entire movies. Wait for the downloads to complete; they will be saved as MP4 or MKV files in your computer's default folder.
Step 5Watch Netflix on an Airplane on Laptop
To locate your downloaded content, click the "History" button at the top of the main StreamUlt interface and click the "Folder" icon next to each title to locate them individually. Now, you can open your preferred media player app on your laptop to watch them on a plane offline.
If you'd like to watch Netflix on your iPhone or Android phone on a plane without any limitation, you can transfer Netflix downloads to it as below:
- Connect your smartphone or tablet to your computer using a USB cable.
- Locate the folder where your StreamUlt downloads are saved on your computer.
- Copy the downloaded MP4 or MKV files and paste them into the "Movies" or "Videos" folder on your smartphone or tablet.
- Safely disconnect your device from your computer.
- Open your preferred media player app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Navigate to the "Movies" or "Videos" section to find and enjoy your downloaded Netflix content.
Part 4. FAQs about Watching Netflix on Airplane
Q1.Can You Watch Netflix on Airplane Mode?
A1.Yes. But you have to download Netflix movies and TV shows to your mobile devices ahead of time, then watch them offline (even in airplane mode).
Q2.Which Airlines Support Netflix on WiFi?
A2.Streaming Netflix on a plane (not just watching downloaded content) requires inflight Wi‑Fi that supports streaming. Here's a breakdown:
- Delta Air Lines: Select flights provide upgraded WiFi that may support streaming.
- American Airlines: Offers streaming-friendly WiFi on some of its aircraft.
- Southwest Airlines: While basic browsing is free, an upgraded plan is required for streaming.
- United Airlines: Premium WiFi options support video streaming on certain flights.
Q3.What Are the Best Movies to Watch on a Plane on Netflix?
A3.When choosing plane-friendly content to watch, consider:
- Length: Opt for films (~90–120 min) or one-episode specials.
- Genre: Engaging but relaxing; avoid tense or heavy plots due to potential turbulence or distractions.
Here are great categories:
| Category | Suggested Titles |
|---|---|
| Feel-good movies | Airplane Mode (Brazilian rom-com – 1h30min; title humorously fitting!) |
| Light comedies | The Mitchells vs. The Machines, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga |
| Animated family flicks | Klaus, Over the Moon, Vivo |
| Short series | Good Girls, Sex Education (3–4 episodes per sitting) |
| Documentary specials | Our Planet, Abstract: The Art of Design, Chef's Table |
| Easy binges | The Crown or Stranger Things—great for long-haul flights in multiple sessions |
Part 5. Conclusion:
Watching Netflix on a plane is possible, whether you're flying with or without WiFi. By taking a few simple steps to download your favorite shows and movies before you fly, you can guarantee hours of entertainment and make your next journey a much more enjoyable one.
If you want to watch Netflix offline on your MacBook or Windows laptop on an airplane, the StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader is your best helper. With it, your in-flight entertainment knows no bounds. This powerful tool lets you bypass Netflix's usual download restrictions, meaning no more download limits or frustrating expiration dates. Say goodbye to interruptions and hello to endless binge-watching opportunities, all from the comfort of your airplane seat.
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Alex Mercer, a multimedia expert at StreamUlt, specializes in streaming video conversion, tips, and troubleshooting, providing innovative solutions to simplify digital life.
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