Wi-fi enabled domestic Qantas flights are getting some pretty sweet entertainment options later this month – Foxtel, Netflix and Spotify, to be exact – with the rest of the fleet to follow suit “from mid-2017”.
Qantas promises its wi-fi is “up to 10 times faster than conventional inflight wi-fi”, so video and audio streaming won’t be an issue. The service utilises NBN’s Sky Muster satellites. The airline is also “currently in talks” to extend wi-fi services onto its international and regional (QantasLink) fleets “to develop a product that can overcome a number of technical, performance and coverage challenges” – including options for wi-fi over large stretches over water.
Foxtel, Netflix and Spotify will be free (some on a “new customer trial” basis) for Qantas customers “for between three days and one month after their Qantas flight”.
Qantas’ announcement clarifies how this works:
Foxtel will offer three days free access to its Foxtel app every time a customer flies, allowing customers to stream live sports, news and TV shows as well as its full range of on-demand content. No sign-up to a subscription is required.
Netflix will offer new customers access to the entire Netflix service as part of a 30-day free trial. Existing Netflix members only need to log in to continue watching at no extra charge.
Spotify will offer a 30 day free trial of its Premium music service, which has no ads, shuffle play and unlimited skips.
(Note – both Netflix and Spotify require customers to sign-up to a subscription to access the free trial.)
When you log on to the Qantas inflight wi-fi on your device, you’ll see a landing page with your options. As well as links to access Netflix, Spotify and Foxtel, you’ll also see your real-time flight data, hotel, restaurant and transport options at your destination, the latest weather and personalised information linked to your itinerary and Frequent Flyer account. You’ll also be able to stream Sky News.
[Qantas]