How can I control Internet usage when using in-flight wifi?
In-flight wifi often comes with ludicrously stingy download caps (eg. 30MB for $4.99 yesterday on Singapore Airlines), which I'd like to reserve for email (minus attachments), documents I explicitly choose to open/sync, and tactical browsing.
However, computers and smartphones can't distinguish between inflight wifi and the regular kind, so when you connect they tend to think it's an excellent opportunity to download that latest OS update or back up all your photos, blowing through that cap in no time.
How can I control which applications are allowed to use wifi? I'm personally particularly interested in Android and OS X, but happy to upvote answers for any OS.
Best Answer
I’m going to future-proof this question with a new feature in iOS 13. This feature is called Low Data Mode and this feature is supported on an app to app basis. Here’s a picture of how to turn it on:
For people who may want to save data when they get off of the plane as well, this feature also is supported with cellular data.
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Quick Answer about "How can I control Internet usage when using in-flight wifi?"
How can I minimize my Wi-Fi usage?
How to Reduce Data UsageDoes VPN work on airplane Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can access a virtual private network (VPN) while connected to United Wi-Fi if you purchase access. However, we cannot guarantee that the VPN won't be dropped if there are brief, intermittent losses in connectivity. As with any wireless communication, VPNs are not inherently secure.Can you use airplane Wi-Fi while flying?
WiFi in airplanes let you use your gadgets with an internet connection just like on ground, but with the flight mode turned on. As inflight WiFi becomes available in more and more airlines, ever wondered how it works at 40,000 feet? There are two systems of connectivity for inflight WiFi - Air-to-ground and satellite.What apps work on airplane Wi-Fi?
Apps like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs will run smoothly on almost all in-flight WiFi, plus they can usually be configured to run offline. So, even if your WiFi connection drops mid-flight, you can keep on working uninterrupted without worrying about unsaved changes.WiFi on Aeroplanes? How's it Possible?? In Flight WiFi Explained
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Answer 2
Many operating systems and apps these days honour the concept of a "metered connection", including Windows 10, OSX and Android, while IOS has the concept of reducing background data usage.
This should dramatically reduce your background data usage.
Answer 3
On OS X, I recommend Tripmode. You can allow or block specific apps, turn off background updates, and set a limit for data usage on specific networks (like inflight wifi or a tethered phone).
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