Comparing Emirates OnAir WiFi with Qatar's Starlink WiFi
The difference between onboard internet services from Qatar Airways and Emirates is evident. Qatar’s Starlink connectivity clearly surpasses Emirates’ OnAir WiFi in both performance and reliability.
As the author writes from 39,000 feet aboard an Emirates A380 traveling at 0.84 Mach, the experience exemplifies both the airline’s strengths and digital shortcomings. The A380’s spacious design and consistent service remain impressive across all cabins.
Every one of the 800+ passengers on this jet had to mess about with downloading various things to offline storage before they got on the plane.
This reflects a reality that hasn’t changed much in a decade. Passengers preload entertainment or work files before boarding due to limited inflight connectivity. For the author, this means predicting which documents, presentations, and assets will be needed midair—without dependable access to cloud tools or AI services.
Although Emirates loyalty members enjoy free access to social media during flight, full internet connectivity requires payment. The options available on this flight were $6.99 for 30 minutes or $16.99 for the entire trip.
This gets you 'unlimited' internet access – but set your expectations.
In practice, this meant average speeds around 0.50 Mbps with inconsistent performance and restricted usability. Compared to this, Qatar’s Starlink service delivers faster, smoother, and more stable connections, setting a new benchmark for inflight WiFi quality.
Author’s Summary
Qatar’s Starlink outshines Emirates’ WiFi with faster speeds and reliability, exposing how Emirates lags in modern digital connectivity despite its strong onboard experience.