How to Fix Wi-Fi Issues on Your MacBook While Traveling or Flying

Aarron Anderson Updated by Aarron Anderson

🛫 Traveling can sometimes cause network connectivity issues, especially on airplanes or public Wi-Fi that requires a portal login. If you’re having trouble accessing in-flight Wi-Fi, this guide will help you reset your DNS settings, refresh your network configurations, forget problematic networks, and troubleshoot common issues.

⚠️ Important: Some steps may require admin privileges. Be sure to request access via the IT HelpDesk before traveling.

Step 1: Check Your Network Settings

  1. Open the Apple Menu  and select System Settings.

  2. Click Network in the sidebar.

    • In this example, we’ll be using Wi-Fi as the network to manipulate.
      Network Page

  3. Select your active network (Wi-Fi) and click Details....
    Network Wi-Fi Details

Step 2: Reset Your DNS Settings

  1. In the Details window, go to the DNS tab.

  2. Review the existing DNS settings:

    • Remove custom DNS entries by selecting them and clicking the - button.
      Remove DNS
    • Once done, click OK to save the changes.

  3. Avoid adding default DNS servers unless instructed by the specific network administrator. For most cases, clearing the DNS settings entirely is sufficient.

Step 3: Forget the Network

  1. If resetting DNS doesn’t work or if you encounter persistent issues, try forgetting the network entirely:

    • In the Details window, navigate back to the Wi-Fi settings.
    • Click Forget This Network... to reset the connection.
      Forget Network

  2. Once the network is forgotten, click OK to confirm the changes.

Step 4: Restart Your MacBook

  1. Restart your MacBook after completing the DNS reset or forgetting the network to ensure all changes are applied.
  2. When restarting, leave the checkbox for "Reopen windows when logging back in" unchecked.
    • This prevents cached sessions from interfering with your new settings.
      Restart MacBook

Step 5: Troubleshoot Browser Compatibility

  • Some in-flight Wi-Fi portals are optimized for specific browsers.
    We recommend using either Google Chrome or the built-in Safari browser.
  • If your MacBook has trouble connecting, try using your smartphone to test the connection.
    • If your phone also fails to connect, the issue likely lies with the airline’s network.

Here are airline-specific in-flight Wi-Fi instructions for reference:

Admin Privileges

  • Some steps, such as modifying DNS settings, may prompt for admin credentials:

    • Enter your first and last name (e.g., Aarron Anderson).
    • Use your computer login password or Progress Learning Google password.
    • If you don’t have admin access, request it via the IT HelpDesk.

    Admin Prompt

đź“š Additional Resources

Network Page > Wifi > Details > Forget Network.png

Network Page > Wifi > Details > DNS > Minus.png

Network Page > Wifi > Details > DNS.png

Network Page > Wifi > Details.png

Network Page > Wifi.png

Network Page.png

Admin Prompt.png

Restart Macbook.png

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