Netflix streams on airplanes too, starting with Virgin America
One problem with Netflix has always been that it doesn't work when you're on a plane. Starting this month however, the service's entire catalog will be available for Virgin America flights on new Airbus A320 airplanes. Virgin claimed its new ViaSat-powered WiFi is strong enough to stream video, and bringing the bandwidth-hungry Netflix aboard is certainly one way to prove it. By contrast, Amazon Prime just started letting customers store movies and TV shows so they can watch them offline anywhere. So far, Netflix has resisted an offline option, and Global Head of Business Development Bill Holmes says it's all about delivering service that "takes advantage of the expansion of WiFi." The upgraded system is rolling out to about one aircraft a month through June 2016, and will be available for free until March 2nd. Even if you don't have a Netflix account, you can sign up for a free trial, or just watch episodes from a few favorites like House of Cards or Orange is the New Black on the new Android-based entertainment systems.
