Business expectations are high and being disconnected for hours on a long flight can cause frustrations to soar in our constantly connected world. Whether you need to catch up on emails for work, check out your messages or just browse social media, having internet access from 30,000 feet is becoming a must- have.
Luckily, more and more airlines are getting on board (pun intended) with offering WiFi to passengers. From free basic browsing to paid premium streaming packages, there are plenty of options to keep you connected on your next flight. Here’s the lowdown:
The Free WiFi Pioneers
JetBlue was one of the first airlines to offer free, high-speed “Fly-Fi” for all passengers back in 2013. Other trailblazers with free WiFi include Norwegian Air on European routes, Philippine Airlines with generous data allowances, and Air New Zealand expanding its free offering.
Loyalty Brings Free WiFi Perks
For frequent flyers, signing up for an airline’s loyalty programme can really pay off with free WiFi as a perk. Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Delta and Turkish Airlines all offer free connectivity or generous data bundles to their programme members.
When You Need to Pay for More Data
If limited access to free WiFi won’t cut it for your needs, many airlines offer relatively affordable paid WiFi packages. United has flexible monthly plans while Virgin Atlantic even offers video calling packages starting at just £2.99. British Airways and Lufthansa have hourly or full-flight options.
What’s New and Coming Soon?
The latest developments include Lufthansa and Austrian offering unlimited free messaging with Miles&More accounts. Hot on their heels are SWISS, launching free messaging on long-haul flights, Hawaiian Airlines with free high-speed Starlink WiFi, and British Airways Executive Club members getting full free access.
So How Does It Work?
Air-to-ground antenna systems connect your plane to internet signals below. Typical WiFi speeds from the air are around 15Mbps – enough for basic browsing and messaging but potentially sluggish for streaming video. However, new satellite technology is improving speeds and reliability.
A Few Tips Before You Fly
Make sure to check your airline’s website or app for WiFi availability on your specific flight. Take advantage of free packages for basic messaging needs and be ready to pay a bit more if you want to ensure buffer-free streaming.
Productivity is at an all-time high for business travellers with access to internet in the clouds. While free “good enough” WiFi is becoming the norm, frequent travellers and those needing ultra-fast speeds still have to pay for premium packages. But one thing is clear – staying connected in the air is now an expectation and very much a reality rather than a luxury for air travellers.
YOUR POCKET GUIDE TO WiFi ON HIGH
Airlines Offering Free WiFi
- JetBlue’s “Fly-Fi” free high-speed wifi
- Norwegian Air’s free wifi on most European routes
- Philippine Airlines’ free 10MB for all, 100MB for business class
- Air New Zealand’s free wifi trial expanding to more routes
- China Eastern’s free wifi trial on first-come, first-served basis
Free WiFi with Airline Loyalty Programmes
- Emirates’ free unlimited messaging and full flight wifi for first class with Skywards
- Singapore Airlines’ free wifi for KrisFlyer members
- Qatar Airways’ 1 free hour for Privilege Club members
- Delta’s free unlimited wifi for SkyMiles members
- Turkish Airlines’ free 400MB for Miles&Smiles members
Airlines with Paid WiFi Packages
- United’s paid tiers like $49 monthly North America plan
- Virgin Atlantic’s £2.99-£14.99 packages with video calling
- British Airways’ £8-£24 packages, occasional discounts
- Lufthansa’s FlyNetChat from £3, FlyNetStream for videos
- New: Lufthansa/Austrian unlimited free messaging with Miles&More
Coming Soon: Free Wifi
- SWISS launching free messaging on long-haul flights
- Hawaiian Airlines’ free wifi via Starlink for long-haul in 2024
British Airways Executive Club members getting free wifi in April 2024