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Trouble using ae mid flight: issues with connectivity

Trouble Using AE During Flights Sparks Mixed Reactions

By

Ethan White

Aug 5, 2026, 06:02 PM

2 minutes reading time

Person using a device while flying, struggling with game connectivity and location updates

Air travelers face challenges connecting with games during flights. Individuals aboard planes report issues with game connectivity, specifically AE, as they struggle to update their locations, leading to frustration among players.

Connectivity Challenges Intensified on Flights

A recent thread on user boards highlights the difficulties many face accessing AE while flying. One user expressed their plight, stating they were "stuck at loading 91%" on a plane with Wi-Fi. This situation raises questions about the reliability of in-flight internet services and their impact on gaming experiences.

Varied Experiences with In-Flight Wi-Fi

Comments reveal a spectrum of experiences regarding the app's functionality during flights:

  • Some claimed that turning off the phone might be the best choice: "Just enjoy the flight."

  • Others noted that while connectivity issues persist, purchasing in-game items such as badges was still possible.

  • A third user mentioned that connectivity largely depends on the airline, adding, "Some don't register a location, which is why the app doesnโ€™t load.โ€

The variance suggests a patchwork of experiences based on airlines and their respective in-flight Wi-Fi quality.

Consistent Frustration Among Travelers

Another comment pointed out dissatisfaction, saying: "I've only ever managed to get AE to work on one flight." This highlights the recurring difficulty many face in gaming during travel, raising concern over the future of in-flight entertainment for avid gamers.

Curiously, does the inconsistency in game functionality during flights indicate a need for companies to improve in-flight tech?

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Widespread connectivity issues reported by travelers during flights

  • โ–ฝ User experiences vary greatly depending on airline service

  • โ€ป "Some airlines donโ€™t register locations" - Frequent commenter

This topic continues to gather attention as air travel becomes more common in our increasingly digital landscape.

Forecasting the Route Ahead

Experts believe thereโ€™s a strong chance that in-flight connectivity will see significant upgrades within the next two years. Airlines are likely to invest in improved technology, as travelers increasingly prioritize entertainment and connectivity during flights. This could lead to enhanced in-flight internet services that reduce gaming issues, potentially boosting overall airline satisfaction ratings by an estimated 20%. Moreover, partnerships with tech companies specializing in in-flight solutions suggest that weโ€™ll soon see more consistent app performance, which might support popular gaming apps like AE more reliably. As air travel continues to rise amidst our digital age, itโ€™s critical for airlines to adapt quickly or risk losing loyal passengers to those that do.

A Journey Down Memory Lane

Consider the transition from dial-up to broadband internet in the early 2000s. Initially, users encountered frustratingly slow connections, often wishing for a more seamless online experience. Just as frustration fueled demand for improved connectivity back then, todayโ€™s travelers are expressing similar desires in the context of in-flight gaming. This shift sparked a rapid evolution in internet technology, fundamentally changing how people connected and communicated. Just as investing in tech transformed home internet access, it stands to reason travelers will soon expect the same advancements in air travel, fundamentally changing their in-flight experiences.