Table of Contents
Intro
How to watch movies on a plane without wifi? It’s a great question. While you may think this is common knowledge, less frequent travelers may not know the answer.
The short answer is you need to download movies before the flight. Or watch on the in-flight entertainment systems with an updated app. The most important thing to remember before you fly is to update any app you want to use. Otherwise it may not work in the sky.
You can watch digital platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, or HBO Max on your mobile devices.
Remember, most of these streaming services require a membership.
Here’s how to watch movies on a plane without wifi:
Netflix:
Netflix is a streaming giant in the entertainment industry. According to recent estimates, 53% of Americans, 57% of Brits, and 65% of Australians have a Netflix account.
The Netflix app is so easy to use. The download icon is on the bottom right of the netflix app on your phone. Once you click the download button, you can select the shows you want.
Or you can let Netflix keep fresh content downloaded that they think you will like. So watch Netflix content like Mike Colter as Marvel’s Luke Cage throughout your flight.
Here is how to download Netflix movies on your own device:
- Step 1: Go to your Netflix app and sign in.
- Step 2: In the bottom right corner of the app click the download button
- Step 3: Select “Find More to Download”
- Step 4: Click on any tv show you like or search for a show.
- Step 5: Click the download button to download an entire season. OR click episodes to get a list of episodes. Then click the download arrow to the right of the episode. This will let you download a specific episode for your flight.
When you return to the downloads icon at the bottom of your mobile app, the videos will be there.
Amazon Prime Video App:
Amazon’s mobile app is another download option. Amazon Video App often is the first to have movie theater movies when they hit their digital release date.
It’s a great place to rent or buy a brand new action thriller movie or an old classic movie.
For offline use, here is how to watch movies on a plane:
- Step 1: Open the Amazon Prime Video App and sign in.
- Step 2: Click the “downloads” icon on the bottom of the screen”
- Step 3: Click the “Find Videos to Download Button” in the center of the screen.
- Step 4: Select a Tv Show or movie you with to download.
- Step 5: Select “download season” to download the entire season, or scroll down to the episode list. Click the download icon (it looks like an arrow pointing down) to the right of the episode.
- Step 6: Confirm the audio language you want the program downloaded in.
- Step 7: Select the video quality (higher quality takes up more space)
- Step 8: Select “Start Download”
You can find your downloads when going back to the download icon at the bottom of your mobile app.
Disney Plus:
Disney Plus is not just for kids… I will die on this hill. But it is also great if you have kids. If you want to know how to watch movies on a plane for your kids, disney plus is a good place to start.
Disney allows offline viewing. You or your child can watch your favorite shows on your own personal devices. Whether your watching Yoson An from New Zealand in a re-telling of Mulan or the latest Star Wars series, Disney Plus has something for everyone.
Here is how to download on Disney Plus:
- Step 1: Open the Disney Plus App and Sign In
- Step 2: Click on any movie or tv show you wish to download
- Step 3: For movies, click the arrow pointing down that says “download. For TV shows, scroll to where the episodes begin. Select which season you want and click the down facing arrow next to the word “season” to download the entire season. If you wish to download specific episode(s), click the arrow facing down next to that episode.
- Step 4: Click the “downloads” icon (again the downward facing arrow) at the bottom of your mobile app. This will open all of the movies and shows you have downloaded to your phone.
HBO Max:
HBO Max is great. You can often get some of HBOs best tv shows on the in-flight entertainment systems. Depending on the airline however, some scenes can be edited out. This is to satisfy airline regulations in the airline’s home country.
To enjoy all of your favorite HBO Max content unedited, here’s how to download:
- Step 1: Open the HBO Max App and Sign In
- Step 2: Click the download icon (the arrow pointing down with the line underneath) at the bottom of your mobile application.
- Step 3: Click the “Search for Titles” Button
Step 4: Select the movie or show you want to watch. - Step 5: To download the entire season or movie, click the download icon (the down facing arrow) on the right of the screen. For a specific episode, scroll to that episode and click the download icon on the right.
- Step 6: Return to the download library by clicking the download icon at the bottom of the application. This will open the library so you can watch your movie.
Hulu:
Hulu is a great option for a wide range of entertainment choices from full movies to tv episodes. They have a lot of classic movies. You can watch any of these downloaded movies on ios devices, android devices, and/or your windows PC.
If you want to know how to watch movies on a plane without wifi and with Hulu, read on:
- Step 1: Open the Hulu App and Sign In
- Step 2: Click the Downloads Icon at the bottom of the mobile app. It looks like an arrow facing down with a line underneath.
- Step 3: Click the “See What’s Downloadable Button”
- Step 4: Select a Tv Series or Movie
- Step 5: Click the download icon to the right of the tv show episode or underneath the movie title. This will begin the download
- Step 6: Return to your downloads library by clicking the Downloads Icon at the very bottom of the mobile application. You can now watch the movies and tv shows you selected on your flight.
Apple TV:
Apple TV app is a great option to watch shows and movies on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other mobile phone.
Here’s the best way to download from Apple TV:
- Step 1: Open the Apple TV app and sign in.
- Step 2: Select the show or movie you want to download.
- Step 3: Select the download button.
- Step 4: Go to the library tab
- Step 5: Choose “Downloaded”
You can now enjoy your apple TV downloads offline.
In-flight entertainment systems:
In-flight entertainment systems are great. They have free movies and even a theatrical release or two.
They also allow important announcements from your flight attendant or your pilot. Which is great in the event of an emergency landing. Maybe less great if you’re trying to nap.
You don’t need to download any movies to watch the in-flight entertainment system. Remember though, more and more airlines do not have the tiny screen on the on the back of the seat.
You’ll need to use your own different devices like cell phones, tablets, laptops. Put them in airplane mode to safely watch your action movie.
Keep the airplane app updated. Whether you’re on an American Airlines flights or any other carrier, update the app. You’ll thank me.
If you do not download the updated app before the flight, you’ll be sad. You won’t be able to watch your favorite movie. Or even access the occasionally terrible airplane wifi.
Less Common Streaming Apps:
While the below apps are less common, they are still a great place to watch offline videos on an international flight.
Peacock:
Downloads are available for select content on Peacock for subscribers. You can download a total of 25 pieces of content across all devices.
Youtube Red:
If you’re a youtube app subscriber, the good news is you can watch offline for up to 30 days.
Google TV
If you’ve connected various apps to Google TV, or you’ve purchased items, you can access your downloads through the app. This app was formerly Google Play Movies.
Music Options:
Now that you know how to watch movies on a plane, your next flight is a great time to start watching your list of movies and tv shows. BUT looking out the window and listening to music is another great option.
Most music services allow offline listening. Some of these include:
- Spotify:
- Amazon Music:
- Apple Music:
- Google Play Music:
So make sure that the next time you fly, you remember to download your favorite playlists.
Conclusion
As a frequent traveler, I understand how important it is to have great entertainment options while you fly. And knowing how to watch movies on a plane is an important part of staying entertained.
Whether I’m on a long flight or a short flight, it’s so much easier to relax in a plane when I’m hanging with Gerard Butler.
While your commercial flight may have an internet connection, the in-flight wi-fi will often not allow streaming. The great thing is you’ve got options if you know how to watch movies on a plane without wifi.
If you’re traveling internationally, you may want to download some shows before you go. This way you’ll have access in the hotel while recovering from jet lag abroad. Or you can download a VPN.
Flying is a great way to catch up on the best movies and tv shows that we usually enjoy in the comfort of our living rooms. It can take a long time to download over a cellular connection so make sure to start early before your flight.
With proper planning, you’ll be vegging in the sky in no time!
Are you flying with a pet? Check out our article on tips to make flying with a pet safe and easy.
