Summary

  • JetBlue offers free high-speed WiFi for all passengers, with faster download speeds and ability to stream on multiple devices.
  • United Airlines provides free WiFi to T-Mobile customers for internet access on mobile devices.
  • Airlines like Qantas, Air New Zealand, and Malaysia Airlines offer free WiFi to all passengers on certain routes, with varying speeds.

In recent years, the availability of WiFi onboard commercial airlines has been growing. Now, with services like Starlink rolling out, in-flight WiFi is exploding, and an ever-expanding list of airlines is offering in-air connectivity. However, only a few airlines offer onboard WiFi for free (and airlines offer it for free, but to certain loyalty members or passengers with higher-class tickets).

Airlines are working to incorporate WiFi on their flights. For example, Qatar Airways announced it will provide Starlink services on some Boeing 777-300ERs later in 2024. Starlink is a popular provider that offers 40-220 MBPS downloads and 8-25 MBPS uploads per terminal. That said, Starlink isn’t the only game in town offering in-flight WiFi services to airlines.

US carrier offerings

JetBlue is a great place to start for those looking for in-flight WiFi. It boasts, “Only JetBlue offers free, high-speed wi-fi at every seat, on every plane.” The ultra-low-cost airline headquartered in Long Island offers free, high-speed WiFi for every passenger using ViaSat, becoming the first major US airline to make this move over ten years ago.

A JetBlue Airbus A321LR flying in the sky.
Photo: Bradley Caslin | Shutterstock

Since 2017, JetBlue has made its Fly-Fi free for all customers on its fleet of Airbus A320s, A321s, and Embraer 190s. However, the service has some limitations and can be unreliable on many overwater routes.

Starlink for aviation

Downloads per terminal:

40-220 MBPS

Upload Per terminal:

8-25 MBPS

Latency:

less than 99 MS

The offer is in partnership with Amazon Prime. It allows users to stream videos and use multiple devices simultaneously, unlike competitors that only allow one screen at a time. JetBlue also pledges its download speeds up to 20Mbps, higher than any competitor.

United Airlines has long offered passengers free access to messaging services like iMessage and WhatsApp but recently moved towards providing free WiFi. Now, T-Mobile customers have free internet access on mobile devices.

“Even if you don’t pay for Wi-Fi, you can still activate free messaging and access united.com and the United app, including our entertainment options.” – United Airlines

Full WiFi access is also affordable, United saysOn U.S. domestic and short-haul international flights, like those to Mexico and Canada, Wi-Fi is $8, or 800 miles, for MileagePlus members and $10 for everyone else. For all other flights, prices depend on where you’re headed and how long your flight is.

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A320 Landing In Austin At Sunset.

Photo: lorenzatx | Shutterstock

Delta Air Lines, which previously maintained a similar policy with T-Mobile, has since elevated its offerings. According to the carrier, fast, free WiFi has been rolled out to all of its domestic mainline fleet as of February 2024, with ambitions to roll the service out to the entire fleet by the end of 2024.

Overseas offerings

Australia’s flag carrier Qantas also offers similar free WiFi to its customers, but only for domestic flights. Also, in partnership with ViaSat, since 2019, the airline has provided free internet for selected flights operated by its Boeing 737-800 jets, Airbus A220-300s, and Airbus A330-200s. According to Qantas – while far slower than JetBlue – Qantas’ system is capable of up to 12Mbps per device, which the company says is “ten times faster” than conventional inflight systems.

A Qantas Boeing 737-800 just after take off.

Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock

Air New Zealand is another airline offering free WiFi with few limitations. According to the company, its Airbus A320neo aircraft that fly to Australia, the Pacific Islands, and some domestic New Zealand routes offer free WiFi to all passengers. Air New Zealand is one of the first airlines to install Starlink (others include Qatar Airways, JSX, Hawaiian Airlines, AirBaltic, and ZIPAIR).

Enabled on free Air New Zealand inflight WiFi:

  • Web browsing
  • Sending and receiving messages and emails
  • Checking and posting on social media

Blocked on free Air New Zealand inflight WiFi:

  • All voice calls and associated apps
  • Video calls
  • Downloading and updating apps
  • Streaming high-res or full-screen videos
  • Accessing cloud storage services
  • Playing real-time multi-player games
  • Viewing potentially offensive content

The majority of the carrier’s 777 and 787 fleet has since been equipped with the service as well. The connectivity comes from a partnership with Inmarsat and Panasonic Avionics. In 2019, Executive Traveller tested the airline’s download speeds on an A320neo and found a maximum of 4.7Mbps.

A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 on a taixway.

Photo: alphonsusjimos | Shutterstock

Recently, Malaysia Airlines also made waves by expanding its WiFi offerings. In November 2023, the airline expanded its free WiFi service to include passengers in all classes, first introduced on all A350 aircraft and then select A330 airliners.

“Malaysia Airlines passengers can now enjoy unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi through MHconnect for messaging and social media apps on all A350 and selected A330 aircraft. Whether you’re flying Economy Class, Business Class or Business Suite, stay connected with your loved ones, keep up-to-date with the latest news or work from the sky.​” – Maraysia Airlines

Lastly, low-cost Thai carrier Nok Air provides free WiFi on all its Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline began its service in 2014 and was the first to make the move in Asia, powered by Thaicom. Many other carriers offer free WiFi in some form, and, fortunately, the list continues to grow with each year that passes.

Free economy WiFi with a catch

China Eastern Airlines has free WiFi but with a catch. While dubbed a ‘test,’ their WiFi option has been available for years. When passengers have booked with China Eastern, they can apply for a free trial of the company’s internet access. However, only the first 100 customers will get it. The carrier said it’s “first come, first served.”

Related

American Airlines Is Bringing High Speed WiFi To 500 Regional Aircraft

The airline already offers WiFi onboard its mainline fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft.

While the service is available for mobile phones, laptops, and other devices with pre-boarding registration, China Eastern has blocked many popular sites, making the free WiFi less appealing. As always, with connectivity in China, it almost always comes with a catch.

A China Eastern Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Flying in the sky.

Photo: Fasttailwind | Shutterstock

Philippine Airlines is another carrier that provides free WiFi for all passengers but is limited. All customers can access the company’s myPAL hotspot with a complimentary chat plan of 10MB.

The plan does not support videos and photos. However, business class passengers can get an extra 100MB. According to Airways WiFi, myPAL is available on Philippines Airlines’ Boeing 777 aircraft, exclusively on London to Manila and Manila to London routes, and its Airbus jets. Several other carriers provide similarly non-unlimited free WiFi.

Premium passengers and loyalty members

While business fares and loyalty clubs can often be pricey, they usually provide the benefit of free inflight WiFi. This is unsurprising, as corporate travelers are the most likely to do work that requires high-speed WiFi while on a flight.

Related

Free WiFi: Vistara Offers Complimentary Service For Club Vistara Members

The airline is offering this service on its Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo planes.

UAE’s flag carrier, Emirates, offers free chatting on WhatsApp, messenger, and other services for Emirates Skywards blue, silver, or gold members traveling in business class. Platinum Skywards members will have unlimited WiFi access regardless of what class they travel in.

An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER on an airport apron.

Photo: Petr Bonek | Shutterstock

That said, free WiFi for the whole flight is exclusive to Skywards members traveling in first class or Platinum members in business class. The entire Emirates fleet is embedded with internet access. The airline used to offer free 20MB to all passengers and unlimited texting to use within two hours, but this service has been replaced with all Skywards members receiving some form of free access, according to the airline.

Related

Explained: The Rules & Regulations Surrounding Video Calls Over Inflight WiFi

Airlines and flight attendants do not want people to make calls on planes while flying.

Singapore Airlines is among the most recent carriers to introduce unlimited free WiFi to loyalty members. According to Singapore Airlines, WiFi is available to anyone with a First/Suite class or Business class fare and those who are PPS and supplementary cardholders or KrisFlyer members.

Eligible for Singapore Airlines unlimited complimentary:

  • Suites
  • First Class
  • Business Class
  • PPS Club members and supplementary cardholders
  • KrisFlyer members
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 about to take off.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

Qatar Airways offers free WiFi to economy customers, but the option is much more limited. In 2018, Qatar introduced its Super WiFi through Inmarsat’s GX Aviation technology, which gives travelers one hour of free internet access. However, according to Qatar’s webpage, you must be a Privilege Club Member to access the complimentary hour. In previous years, all passengers gained access to one hour of free WiFi, but Qatar’s website now says it is exclusive to their loyalty members. Qatar is also installing Starlink in some of its aircraft.

Scandinavian Airlines offers free high-speed WiFi to travelers in SAS Business, SAS Plus, EuroBonus Diamond, and Gold Members for selected domestic and European flights. The company said flights to Asia, Canada, and the US have a lower speed and will allow for basic internet use but not streaming. Scandinavian Airlines’ WiFi is powered by ViaSat and claims passengers can get speeds of up to 12Mpbs during most of the flight.

An Aer Lingus Airbus A330 Flying in the sky.

Photo: Carlos Yudica | Shutterstock

Ireland’s Aer Lingus offers complimentary WiFi for its business class and AerClub Concierge customers. On its Airbus A330 aircraft, customers can use the WiFi, their data, and text, but on its A321LRs, only WiFi is available. Aer Lingus offers a 5Mbps upload capacity.

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