Want to Watch Netflix With Gogo Wi-Fi on a Flight? It’s Finally Possible

For years, Gogo has been the in-flight Wi-Fi service passengers have loved to hate. But that might soon change.

Gogo customers can now stream content from Netflix, though only on Aeromexico. The airline is the first customer for Gogo’s new satellite-based 2KU service, which Gogo claims is roughly eight times faster than the older and more widely deployed air-to-ground system that Delta Air Lines and American Airlines use for many domestic flights. Aeromexico customers must already have a Netflix account or sign up for a free 30-day trial to access content.

In the short term, Aeromexico passengers can access the Internet for free, but eventually the carrier is expected to charge.

Gogo’s current system on most planes is bandwidth-limited and speeds slow as more customers sign on. But a Gogo spokesman said the new system can “support as many passengers on the plane that want to watch Netflix.”

The Aeromexico news likely bodes well for American and Delta customers, as both carriers have committed to adding 2KU. Delta is putting it on more than 600 aircraft, and installations have already begun, with more than 35 aircraft set to have it by year-end.

American recently said it would add 2KU to nearly 140 Airbus A319s and Airbus A320s. American is also adding a similar satellite-based system from Gogo competitor ViaSat to about 100 future 737s deliveries, a platform also fast enough to support streaming video.