Free Wifi on more Airlines: A New trend?

Free WIFI in the air could mean a speed of fewer than 1 Mbps on Nok Air, or 25-35 Mbps on JetBlue.

While most airlines with access to inflight internet are trying to make it a special privilege for premium passengers, others are opening the floodgates for WIFI access for all passengers, some for free.

A new trend in proving free WIFI Internet access to airline passengers has now also spread to Singapore Airlines- at least for some passengers.

Singapore Airlines

A new trend in proving free WIFI Internet access to airline passengers has now also spread to Singapore Airlines- at least for some passengers.

Singapore Airlines today issued a press release about its new free wifi program.

Free WIFI is still a luxury perk at Singapore Airlines, where Business Class passengers have free access to WIFI for the entire flight.

This privilege is expanded to this Star Alliance airline, not for Star Alliance premium passengers, but to Singapore’s version of top tier members, PPS Club members.

When flying in premium economy on SQ free wifi access is limited to two hours, economy passengers can use the internet for2 hours before the clock for access starts ticking

Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines, a mainland China carrier, offers unlimited free Wi-Fi to all passengers on board the Boeing 787-9 aircraft. There’s no limit to how many devices can be connected to the Wi-Fi, meaning you can be connected on your mobile phone and your laptop at the same time if needed..

JetBlue

JetBlue is currently the only US airline that provides free, high-speed Wi-Fi to its passengers.

The entire JetBlue fleet is equipped with ‘Fly-Fi’, in partnership with Amazon Prime, keeping JetBlue passengers connected whilst in the air. Passengers can stream Amazon Video and other content using Fly-Fi on their personal devices.

The US, the Caribbean and Central America (when flying on Airbus A320 and A321neo), flights to/from London has WIFI coverage on Jet Blue.

Norwegian Airlines

Norwegian Airlines, a low-cost carrier based in Europe, offers unlimited free Wi-Fi on shorter intra-Europe

There are two packages that the airline offers when it comes to Wi-Fi: Basic and Premium. Choosing the Basic option means passengers have access to free Wi-Fi that lasts for the duration of the flight, meaning they can browse the web, keep up to date on social media and still communicate with family, and friends, or for business.

A similar system applies to United Airlines. Passengers can text or use WhatsApp for free but need to buy internet access for browsing the internet. At United, there is no difference in rates for premium or regular guests.

Emirates

With Dubai-based Emirates Airlines, free Wi-Fi is only available to Emirates Skywards members. Emirates Skywards is a frequent flyer program that is currently being used by over 8.4 million passengers. Free Wi-Fi, provided by OnAir, on Emirates flights means access to Whatsapp, Messenger, and other text services. Media streaming and sync services are restricted due to limited bandwidth provided onboard, but Emirates passengers have access to hundreds of movies or TV series, including life TV.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines provides passengers with 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi or 15 MB of data, however, it’s only available on select international aircraft, including the majority of the A330s, 777-300s, and all A350s serving Manila to London/New York routes. WIFI is available on most of the A330s and 777-300s. Also provided on all A350s flying between Manila and London/New York.

Passengers flying with Qantas will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi on board all domestic Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 flights within Australia. Free Wi-Fi isn’t available on international Qantas flights.

Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available to everyone onboard all Nok Air flights. Passengers can freely browse the internet, check on socials, send/receive emails and even stream their favorite Netflix shows!

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand, also a member of Star Alliance currently provides free Wi-Fi onboard all their Airbus 320neo jets, but there are plans to expand their connectivity to a handful of the 787 aircraft. Having access to Air New Zealand’s free Wi-Fi means passengers can browse the web up in the air, send and receive emails and messages, as well as check and post on social media.

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia offers free Wi-Fi to its passengers on domestic and trans-Tasman flights within Australia. The airline was the first of its kind to offer Wi-Fi onboard international flights from Australia and due to its success, decided to roll out Wi-Fi on its domestic flights too.

Aer Lingus

When flying with Aer Lingus, free Wi-Fi is available to passengers traveling in business class or AerClub Concierge members.

The Wi-Fi is also only available on certain aircraft in Aer Lingus’ fleet such as the A330 and A321neoLR aircraft. Once connected, guests would be able to access emails, instant messaging, social media, and online shopping. The airline’s network provider is Panasonic.