Netflix and Virgin America Team Up For Free in-Flight Streaming at 35,000 Feet
The world’s leading Internet TV Network Netflix and Virgin America team up for free in-flight streaming.
If you have ever traveled by plane you’d know that in-flight Wi-Fi signal is somewhere between unusable and terrible, especially when it comes to streaming videos.
Most airlines are blocking Wi-Fi signal or streaming videos. That is because airplanes rely on expensive and slow Internet-via-satellite connections that they would need to share with several dozen passengers.
Streaming video takes far more bandwidth than, say, updating a Facebook post. It’s a numbers game, and the services that require the most data are the first to go.
So, Virgin America decided to change that and started offering in all of its new planes a new type of satellite-based Internet connectivity that it claims will alleviate the technical problems.
In fact, Virgin explicitly states in its press release that the new tech can support streaming. And here is where the partnership between Netflix and Virgin America comes in handy.
They’ve got an awesome offer as well: free in-flight Wi-Fi for subscribers.
As good as it might seem this has some limits: the Netflix-sponsored Wi-Fi only relay work for streaming its content. Hulu users, for example, won’t be able to take advantage of the free connection.
“Netflix and Virgin America are both known for their focus on innovation and for shaking up their respective industries – so we’re thrilled to team up to bring the best in technology and entertainment to the skies”
“These latest generation investments in our WiFi and entertainment platforms allow us to provide the largest breadth of streamed content ever available at 35,000 feet – along with entire seasons of some Netflix favorites via the Red platform,” said Abby Lunardini, Virgin America Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications.
“We hope our guests enjoy the offering and know that even President Frank Underwood can’t get entertainment this good onboard Air Force One.”
“As WiFi becomes more ubiquitous, it’s going to be increasingly possible for members to enjoy Netflix wherever they want,” said Bill Holmes, Netflix’s global head of business development.”
“We’re delighted to partner with Virgin America to extend the joy of Netflix to our members at 35,000 feet.”
The partnership between the leading Internet TV network Netflix and Virgin America the low-fare, upscale airline known for offering next generation entertainment and connectivity, is one of a kind.
Existing members of Netflix and not only can access a catalog of films and award-winning shows via Wi-Fi from the Virgin America’s planes.
Users will be able to stream the best programming available in the skies, including the hit series Orange is the New Black, Narcos or House of Cars, to their phones, tablets, and laptops at no cost.
Plus, through its new ViaSat Wi-Fi network, as of next month, Virgin America will also offer House of Cards seasons 1-3 free on the airline’s recently upgraded Red touch-screen seatback in-flight entertainment platform.
These jets are expensive so we’re curious to see how long will it take for this to become the standard! Who knows, mile-high netflix & chill my be a thing soon!
But the offer expires relatively soon, March 2nd of 2016, so those traveling soon will want to move fast to take advantage of it.
Sounds cool or not? Get your ticket ASAP!
