Can i rent a movie and then watch it without a wi-fi connection???

Yes you can. And some airplanes do have wi-fi, just look on the airlines website. You may have to pay for it though.

Welcome to the Apple Community.

From my own personal experience, I have found that when I turn off the Wi-Fi on my Wi-Fi only iPad, I am still able to play rented movies on it. I have tried this perhaps four or five times and in each case, this has been the result. I have also noted that other users have had the same experience as I.

However saying that I have noted a small number of users that have stated they are unable to view rented movies without an Internet connection. This knowledge base article from Apple, also suggests that an Internet connection is required.