7 ways to download and watch movies on a plane offline - 2022

Getting ready to travel and unsure about in-flight entertainment? A mobile phone is handy, but what if you want to watch a movie? Perfect timing: flights typically last 1.5 to 2 hours on average.

Here are several options for downloading a movie to your phone for offline viewing on a plane (without requiring internet). Explore these methods and choose your preferred option.

1. Download movies from Netflix and save to phones in advance

For sure, the fastest and quality-guaranteed method to save movies offline for playing on plane is to download them in advance and preserve them to your phones. If you need to download Netflix movies, MovPilot Netflix Video Downloader will provide you with the advanced movie download functionality to download them to lossless MP4/MKV with multi-language subtitles, as well as audio reserved in a hassle-free way. Most importantly, the provided video quality will reach 1080p in MP4/MKV formats. The following guide will briefly show you how it works:

STEP 1. Install MovPilot Netflix Video Downloader and open the software to log in to your Netflix account.

STEP 2. Directly search for the movies you desire to download to play offline while on plane with the built-in search function.

STEP 3. Before downloading, you are able to hit the gear icon on the upper-right corner to adjust some output settings such as format, language, codec, etc.

STEP 4. Then simply by tapping the download icon provided, and you are able to save the Netflix movies offline.

STEP 5. Now, transfer the downloaded Netflix movies to phones for preserving to enjoy offline on phone whenever you need!

2. Saving Amazon Prime movies off the app

To access free Amazon Prime movies playback offline in more flexible ways like when you are on a plane, it would be better to save them off Amazon app to get rid of the streaming limitations in advance. MovPilot Amazon Prime Video Downloader provides the easy-to-grasp functionality, with the ability to download movies from Amazon Prime to mainstream MP4, MKV formats at up to HD 1080p quality. Meanwhile, it is able to preserve the original audio quality and optional languages, enabling you to have the same streaming experience after downloading and transferring them to your phone.

Now, grasp the way to download Amazon Prime movies with MovPilot Amazon Prime Video Downloader:

STEP 1. Launch the software and log in your Amazon Prime video from the pop-up login window.

STEP 2. While accessing the main interface, directly search for the movies you desire to save for playing on the plane.

STEP 3. Once you find the movies you need to download, tap the setting icon to customize its format, codec, and languages before processing the download.

STEP 4. Simply hit the download icon now, then the Amazon Prime movies will immediately be saved offline.

STEP 5. Use USB cable or iTunes to sync the downloaded movies to Android or iPhone to enjoy the offline playback while you are on plane!

3. Copy Films to Gallery, SD Card, or Device Memory

The easiest option is to copy AVI, MPG, MP4, etc., movies from your media library to your device. Follow these instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or laptop.

2. Use a file manager to copy the movie file to your device, e.g., to the DCIM or Downloads folder.

3. After copying, safely disconnect the cable, ensuring the movie is copied.

4. Optionally: Install VLC video player for comfortable viewing of supported file formats.

5. Open the movie via Gallery or Android file manager. Enjoy the movie in "On Airplane" mode without the need for Wi-Fi or mobile internet.

4. View Saved Videos on YouTube

While feature films on YouTube are rare, the platform is excellent for other video content. With a Premium subscription (around $10/month), you can save videos for offline viewing. Here's how:

1. Download the YouTube app if not installed on your Android.

2. Ensure you're logged in with a Premium subscription (the sign displays near the logo).

3. Open the video you want to watch on the plane.

4. Select the Download option from the menu.

5. Repeat for other videos you plan to watch.

6. To watch movies on a plane, go to Saved (Downloaded content) and play without internet.

5. Watch Movies Through the App

If you have a subscription to online movie theaters, check if the mobile app allows downloading movies. For instance, the Netflix app offers such a service.

However, not all films may be available due to copyright restrictions. Here's how to prepare a film for viewing on a plane or offline:

1. Download the Netflix app on your mobile device.

2. Go to the movie or video page.

3. Find the Download button and tap it. If absent, the movie isn't available for download.

4. Go to the download section, where all downloaded movies are stored for comfortable offline viewing on the plane.

This method is convenient and works with most online services, including Amazon Prime and Apple TV. While not all online cinemas offer an airplane mode, the situation is improving for end users.

6. Amazon Prime Video App

If you have an Amazon Prime Video subscription, use the mobile app to download and watch movies on a plane. There's also a Mac and Windows version of the app, allowing offline content via your laptop.

How to watch a movie on a plane with the Amazon Video app:

1. Subscribe to Amazon Prime.
2. Download the Amazon Prime Video app and launch it.
3. Log in to your Amazon account from the device where you plan to watch movies.
4. Select the movie or show episode.
5. Choose video quality - low, medium, or high.
6. Tap the Download button and wait for the download to complete.
7. Go to the Downloads section of the app.
8. Tap the play button.

7. Save Movies via Google Play

This method is suitable for Android and iOS devices (iPad, iPhone). Google Play allows subscribers to save videos from one account on up to 5 different devices.

However, this rule excludes rented videos, allowing offline viewing on just one device. If you delete a video on one device, you can download it on another.

To download a video for viewing on an airplane:

1. Connect your device to the internet.
2. Go to your Google account through the Google Play Movies & TV app or this link. Open the Library section.
3. Find the movie for offline viewing.
4. Tap Download and wait for the process to finish.
5. Being offline, open Google Play Movies & TV and start watching the movie.