While there are some who may enjoy being able to disconnect from the outside world while flying, for others, WiFi connectivity onboard can be an extremely useful feature. This is particularly the case for those traveling on business or those needing to keep in touch with loved ones on the ground.
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Technology has advanced so much in recent years that onboard WiFi is now fairly commonplace. However, although some airlines offer it for free, many charge for the privilege of being able to connect in the sky. Which carriers offer complimentary WiFi to frequent flyers?
Free WiFi for frequent flyers
Let’s start with Spirit Airlines. Gold members of the carrier’s loyalty program, Free Spirit, are entitled to free WiFi access. Can surf online, send messages and emails, and stream TV shows and movies. Gold members also receive a complimentary carry-on bag and check-in bag, as well as free seat selection.
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In order to reach Gold tier status, Free Spirit members need to earn at least 5,000 Status Qualifying Points (SQPs). Currently, $1 spent with the airline equates to 1 SQD. Free WiFi for Gold members was introduced in September 2024, and in a statement to Travel & Leisure at the time, a spokesperson for the airline said,
“These changes build on Spirit’s transformation and investments to provide Guests with greater value and enhance their travel experience.”
Delta Air Lines is another carrier that offers complimentary WiFi access to members of its loyalty program, known as SkyMiles. Once onboard, members need to simply log into their SkyMiles account in order to access messaging services for free. However, there is a catch – the limited bandwidth is not normally suitable for streaming.
While United Airlines does offer WiFi onboard all its flights, it is not complimentary, although discounts are available for members of the carrier’s loyalty program, MileagePlus. The fee to access WiFi services varies depending on the route and length of the flight, and United Airlines also offers a WiFi day pass, which is useful for those traveling on connecting services.
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For example, on US domestic flights and short-haul international services to Mexico and Canada, WiFi access costs $10, while MileagePlus members can pay a special rate of $8 or 800 miles. That said, future developments between United Airlines and Starlink plan to ensure that free WiFi is available for all passengers, as early as 2025.
American Airlines is another carrier offering WiFi services to all passengers at a cost. Prices start from $10, but for frequent flyers, the airline offers monthly and annual plans. These subscription packages are only available to members of AAdvantage, and are currently priced at:
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Monthly plans
- One device – $49.95
- Two devices – $59.95
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Annual plans
- One device – $599
- Two devices – $699.
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Outside the US, Emirates, based at Dubai International Airport (DXB), offers free WiFi to frequent flyers. Members of the carrier’s loyalty program, Emirates Skywards, can access complimentary onboard WiFi for the duration of their flight. This is currently available on the airline’s sizeable fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, and is also expected to be available on upcoming new aircraft deliveries, including the Airbus A350.
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Air India recently announced its intention to equip its Airbus A350s with onboard WiFi, although it is not known if this will be complimentary or chargeable.
Airlines with free WiFi for all
Although some airlines offer complimentary or reduced-price WiFi access to members of their frequent flyer programs, a growing number of carriers around the world are offering free WiFi access to all passengers. These include:
- JetBlue – in partnership with Amazon Prime, JetBlue offers complimentary high-speed WiFi for all passengers. The service is available on all JetBlue flights, including the airline’s transatlantic services. JetBlue is currently the only US airline to offer free WiFi access to all passengers, regardless of class of travel or frequent flyer status.
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- Qantas – the Australian flag carrier offers free WiFi access for all passengers flying on domestic flights operated by the airline’s Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s. Data from ch-aviation shows that the oneworld member currently has 75 Boeing 737s and 28 Airbus A330s in its fleet.
- Air New Zealand – currently offers free WiFi access for all passengers on its Airbus A320neos. There are plans to roll this out across the fleet of widebody Boeing 787-9 aircraft too.