Can anyone speak to the reliability of Alaska Airlines WiFi in general or on this specific route?

[Guest]

I work a hybrid job and have an upcoming trip to Alaska (flying Chicago to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines). My flight is on a day that I’m remote and the flight time lines up almost perfectly with my work hours.

I’m low on PTO so I’d love to work remote on the plane rather than use a vacation day. I’ve never flown Alaska before and have never tried doing actual work while flying.

From past experience plane WiFi is kind of spotty depending on plane/airline. Can anyone speak to the reliability of Alaska Airlines WiFi in general or on this specific route? Or is there a way I can look up how reliable it is?

The plane will be a Boeing 737-800 if that matters. The internet connectivity for my job doesn’t require anything crazy, I basically just need to be online and able to respond to my coworkers requests in a timely manner.

I don’t want to tell my coworkers I will be online and available and then leave them hanging if the WiFi ends up being horrible.

[Jeff]

Keep in mind you would only be able to respond via chat/email/typing as calls (even Wi-Fi enabled) are not permitted on an Alaska Airlines flight.

[Mary]

To be honest, you cannot predict what the satellite Wi-Fi is going to be like I usually don’t have an issue.

You will have to as others have mentioned respond, only via email or text as you cannot talk or call or chat while on an airplane.

Don't forget to take a look at: I get to tag along on a business/work trip to Sitka, Alaska in mid April

[Amy]

I’d recommend letting your coworkers know the situation. Sometimes the Wi-Fi is great, but too risky to assume it will be 100%.

Just tell people you’re working from the plane and plan to be online, but responses may be delayed in case of unreliable internet.

[Audra]

I’d have a backup plan just in case. I’ve boarded a flight only to find out the WiFi is out on that plane.

[Kelli]

I've used the free Wi-Fi in Alaska numerous times, which allows for streaming movies and messaging on FB and WhatsApp.

I don't think I've ever experienced problems so you'll likely be fine paying the $8 (I think) so you can email, access core programs, and chat on slack/teams.

Good luck.

[Liza]

Airplanes and cruise ships continue to have spotty wifi.

There is no way of knowing which airlines, flight or route will have reliable connections.

Take a PTO since you won't be able to respond in a timely manner if the wifi is down.

[Mary]

We flew to Alaska from MSP this summer on Delta. On our way home, they made an announcement that when we hit Canadian airspace we would lose our wifi due to I-don't-recall-what reasons.

I don't recal them making this announcement on the way there, but it was also a later flight and I didn't care at that time.