Internet has become something it is difficult to be without. We have all become some used to ubiquitous internet that it has rapidly become something we expect even when travelling on a plane. Therefore, I thought it might be useful for you, while planning your next trip, to know which major full-service carriers offer an internet connection onboard. Furthermore, I’ve mapped which offer free internet connectivity. So, let’s dive into it.
Which Airlines Offer Free Unlimited Wi-Fi?
There are three major carriers out there that allow unlimited internet access and usage during the entirety of the flight for free. No extra charge applied. They are Singapore Airlines, Delta, and Jetblue. All that is requested in exchange for the internet access is to sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program Krisflyer and Delta Skymiles. Personal information for free internet access during the flight.
However, do be aware that it might prove difficult to sign up for the program during the flight itself. So, it might be a clever idea to sign up before your flight, memorise your access information and use it aboard.
Jetblue on the other hand offers Wi-Fi connectivity no strings attached. Well, the only string is that you’ll have to watch an ad when logging in.
Which Airlines Offer Limited Internet Access in Flight?
A step below Singapore Airlines are those carriers that offer limited internet access during the flight. The limitation can be either in terms of time or geographical. There is one of each among the major airlines.
Qatar Airways offers a time limited internet access on its flights to those passengers that sign up to its frequent flyer program Privilege Club. Members get 1 hour of complimentary internet access to use during the flight. Once that quota has been terminated the only option you are left with is buying a pass.
Qantas is the other limited internet access airline. The Aussie carrier offers internet access with a geographical limitation. The limitation is that you will be able to surf only while the aircraft is overflying mainland Australia. Also, there is a technological limitation, not all planes have wi-fi connectivity capabilities.
Which Carriers Offer Free Messaging App Internet Access?
When we move away from the airlines that offer free onboard Wi-Fi, either unlimited or limited, the list of carriers gets longer. The next step down in offering is those allowing to use the internet only for messaging apps for free. This solution allows the passengers to remain in contact with family and friends on the ground. On the airlines side it uses minimal bandwidth and gives the passenger a taste of the internet reeling them in to sell a proper internet connection at a premium.
The major carriers that offer this kind of in-flight connectivity are:
- Emirates
- Etihad
- Lufthansa
- KLM
- ITA Airways
- Iberia
- TAP
There might be other carriers out there that offer a similar service but I preferred to list the options that you are most likely to fly with on your next travels.