How cost, connectivity on planes are changing

• Using some chat apps is now free at three of the four biggest U.S. airlines.
• In-flight Wi-Fi on domestic flights has fallen to a flat fee under $10 among major airlines.
• That connection relies on satellites in geostationary orbit, which can’t reach planes that fly too close to the poles.

Americans are returning to the skies in large numbers – and many of them will find that in-flight Wi-Fi has changed a bit since their last time up in the air.

At three of the four biggest U.S. airlines, using some chat apps is now free, while the cost of connectivity on a domestic flight has fallen to a flat fee under $10. Here’s what you might pay at those four carriers for internet access from a chair in the sky: