Can you watch Netflix on a plane offline? Of course! This comprehensive guide teaches you on how to download and watch Netflix on a plane offline on your phone and laptop with the Netflix mobile app and a third-party Netflix downloader.
Air travel can be long and boring without entertainment. To kill your long flight time, the popular streaming platforms like Netflix have become the go-to choice for binge-watching movies, TV shows, and documentaries. If you have a Netflix Premium subscription, you can download Netflix videos to watch offline. Whether you want to watch Netflix offline on your phone, tablet, or laptop, this guide will show you step-by-step how to watch Netflix on a plane offline without WiFi.
Way 1. Watch Netflix on a Plane on Phone
The simplest and most official method to watch Netflix on a plane offline is by using the Netflix app. Netflix has an official download feature built into its iOS and Android apps, allowing you to save select movies and TV episodes directly to your phone or tablet for viewing without an internet connection.
So, you can download Netflix titles to your phone or tablet in advance, and then turn on the airplane mode to watch the Netflix downloads on a plane online. Follow below steps:
Step 1. Open the Netflix app on your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, or Amazon Fire tablet.
Step 2. Sign in with your Netflix Standard or Premium account.
Step 3. Browse or search for the movie/TV show you want to watch on plane.
Step 4. Simply go to the movie or episode’s page and tap the “Download” button.
Step 5. Then select the download quality. Wait until it’s saved to your device.
Step 6. Once onboard, enable airplane mode on your iPhone or Android phone.
Step 7. Open the Netflix app, go to Downloads, and start watching the Netflix video without WiFi.
Limitations of Watching Netflix on a Plane via Phone
While convenient, the official download feature comes with significant restrictions that can hinder your plans to watch Netflix on the plane offline:
Not All Titles Are Downloadable
Due to licensing restrictions, some movies/TV shows are not available for download. You might find your desired movie or show is unavailable.
Storage Space
HD movies take up a lot of storage, so make sure your phone or tablet has enough free space. You may also consider downloading Netflix title in standard quality to save space storage.
Expiration of Downloads
Some downloads expire after 48 hours once you start watching. For unplayed content, it may expire after 7 to 30 days. Others may disappear if they leave the Netflix library.
Device Restrictions
Each Netflix account can only download content on a limited number of devices (1/2/6), depending on your plan.
For another, if you want to watch Netflix offline on a bigger screen like a laptop, it will be a bit difficult. As Netflix remove Download function on Netflix Windows app, and there is no a dedicated Netflix app for Mac. Next, we will show you another method to watch Netflix on laptop offline on a plane, without the Netflix app!
Way 2. Watch Netflix on A Plane on Laptop
To bypass Netflix’s Download limits and download Netflix on laptop, some third-party Netflix downloader tools come into play. One of the most reliable tool is iMovieTool Netflix Video Downloader, which allows you to download Netflix movies and TV shows to your laptop for offline playback. This powerful software is designed specifically for users who want a permanent, high-quality, and flexible library of their favorite Netflix content.
iMovieTool Netflix Video Downloader is a dedicated desktop application available for both Mac OS and Windows OS. It works by downloading the movies, TV shows and other content from the built-in Netflix web browser. It saves the Netflix downloads as local MP4 or MKV files, with up to FHD 1080p resolution. Unlike Netflix’s app, which has restrictions on device compatibility and download expiration, iMovieTool gives you permanent access to downloaded Netflix video files. It’s the ultimate solution for anyone who wants to watch Netflix on a plane on any device without the Netflix app and Wi-Fi/Internet connection.
Main Features of iMovieTool Netflix Video Downloader
Cross-Platform Support – Download videos from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Max, Disney+, YouTube and more sites on Windows and Mac.
Multiple Output Formats – Download Netflix videos in MP4 or MKV, ensuring compatibility with almost all media players.
High Video Quality – Supports up to 1080p Full HD downloads, enhancing your offline watching experience.
Multi-Language Audio & Subtitles – Keep original audio tracks and subtitles in different languages for your Netflix downloads.
Fast Download Speed – Built-in acceleration technology allows batch downloads multiple movies or entire episodes quickly, with up to 50X faster.
No Expiration – Keep your downloaded Netflix videos permanently, and watch Netflix offline on a plane without expiration.
Offline Flexibility – Once saved, you can watch Netflix offline on your laptop on the plane, or transfer the downloaded Netflix videos to USB drives, external hard drives, smartphone, tablet or more devices for playback or cloud storage for backup.
How to Watch Netflix Offline on Laptop on a Plane
Step 1. Pick Netflix & Log In Account
First, download the version of iMovieTool for your operating system (Mac OS or Windows OS), and follow the installation instructions and launch the software. From the main page, select Netflix platform.

To download Netflix videos to your laptop or MacBook, sign in with your Netflix account inside the built-in browser.

Step 2. Add Your Desired Netflix Videos
You can browse and play the Netflix video for a few seconds. Or, enter the name of the movie or TV show you want to download. Of course, you can copy the URL from Netflix web/app, and paste the Netflix URL into the search bar.

Step 3. Set Download Options
Go to the Menu bar at the upper right corner. A download window will pop up, allowing you to choose your preferred parameters for the added Netflix videos:
Video Format: Select MP4 or MKV.
Video Codec: Select H.264 or H.265.
Video Quality: Choose high (1080p), middle (720p), or low (480p).
Subtitles & Audio: Select your preferred language for audio and subtitles.

Step 4. Download Netflix Video to Laptop
Click “Download” and iMovieTool will begin processing and saving the Netflix video to your specified folder on your laptop.

Step 5. Watch Netflix Offline on Laptop on a Plane
Once downloaded, the Netflix video file is a standard MP4/MKV file. Turn to the “History” section, click the “Blue Folder” icon to locate the output folder.

You can now watch the downloaded Netflix videos on your laptop offline while on the long flight!
Tips for Watching Netflix on A Plane Offline
Download Ahead of Time
Never wait until the last minute. To avoid any stressful, last-second issues, download all your Netflix favorite content to your device at home a day or on stable internet before traveling. And be mindful of expiration of your Netflix downloads, most expire in 7 to 30 days before you start watching.
Make Sure Your Downloads Are Valid
According to the Netflix download limits, it can remove a title from your device even if you have downloaded it because of content licensing agreements. Before you leave for the airport, open the Netflix app or your video folder and verify that all your downloads are present and play correctly on your phone/tablet.
Power Management
To prevent running out of battery while watching Netflix videos on your mobile or laptop on flight, you should fully charge your devices in advance. In addition, you need to bring a portable charger to stay powered. For your laptop, check if your airline’s seats have power outlets or USB ports.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
It is unethical and often against regulations to play sounds from a personal device without headphones on a plane. Airplane cabins are noisy, and headphones enhance immersion. When watching Netflix on the plane, you’d better take your noise-canceling headphones to enjoy an immersive viewing experience.
FAQs About Watching Netflix on a Plane
Q1. Is Netflix available on flights?
Some airlines now offer complimentary or paid inflight WiFi that is robust enough to stream Netflix on flights. However, this is not yet the standard on most flights. It is always suggested that download your Netflix content offline beforehand.
Q2. Does Netflix work on airplane mode?
Yes, but only if you have previously downloaded content within the official Netflix app. The app requires an internet connection to verify your account and licenses. Once you have downloaded shows, you can enable Airplane Mode and still access your “Downloads” section.
Q3. Can you watch Netflix on a plane without WiFi?
Absolutely Yes. Simply download Netflix movies/TV shows before your flight. For mobile users, you can download Netflix content with the official Netflix app. If you want a better viewing experience on a bigger screen, you can use a third-party tool like iMovieTool Netflix Video Downloader. It enables you to download HD Netflix movies and shows on laptop/MacBook as MP4 or MKV files. Once saved, you don’t need WiFi or Netflix app to watch.
Q4. What is the best device to watch Netflix movies on a plane?
Phones/Tablets are more portable and use less power. However, a Laptop offers a much larger, more immersive screen and, when combined with a downloader like iMovieTool Netflix Video Downloader, provides a far superior and flexible experience without content restrictions. For long flights, a laptop is often the preferred choice.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, this guide has show you the reliable ways to watch Netflix on the plane offline. You can use the native Netflix download featue on your phone. For a truly unlimited, high-quality, and permanent solution, using a dedicated tool like iMovieTool Netflix Video Downloader on your Windows OS or Mac OS laptop is undoubtedly the best way to go. It empowers you to download your favorite Netflix series and movies on laptop locally, and build your own personal entertainment library! Now, give it a try, download and transfer Netflix videos to your devices, enjoy a seamless binge-watching experience!
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