It might be 2023, but stepping onto a plane can feel like taking a step backward in time. While you might think that onboard Wifi should come standard, it does not. And forget free in-flight WiFi. In fact, there are currently only five airlines that widely offer free WiFi: JetBlue, Delta, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Norwegian Airlines. Still, they’re not all created equally, so follow along to learn more about the top airlines with free WiFi.
Airlines With Free WiFi At a Glance:
- JetBlue: Free high-speed WiFi for all passengers
- Delta: Free WiFi for SkyMiles members (free)
- Singapore Airlines: Free WiFi for 2 hours in economy or 3 hours in premium economy
- Qatar Airways: Free WiFi for 1 hour in economy
- Norwegian Airlines: Free high-speed WiFi for 15 minutes
Here are the major airlines that currently offer free WiFi on most flight routes:
1. JetBlue
JetBlue is something of a pioneer when it comes to free in-flight WiFi. It earned this title as it was one of the nation’s first domestic carriers to offer free high-speed WiFi (or as JetBlue calls it, “Fly-Fi“) to every passenger in every seat (unlike many that limited free in-flight WiFi to premium seating sections). Since it first introduced free in-flight Wifi, it has grown to offer a number of flights not just within the U.S., but to Latin America and even Europe.
Overall, JetBlue is the best airline for free Wifi given its wide range of flight routes. However, keep in mind that WiFi is still not guaranteed and there are occasions when it will not be available.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Free high-speed WiFi comes standard for every fare class | Many of its international flights are operated by a different carrier--which may mean free WiFi is not a given |
| Wide range of flight routes in the U.S. | |
| Some flights to Latin America (e.g., Mexico, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru) and Europe (e.g., London and Paris) | |
| Power outlets are widely available on all fare classes |
2. Delta Air Lines
Delta Airlines has recently launched a free WiFi service on most of its flights in the United States. The roll-out process commenced in early 2023 and is anticipated to cover all major domestic flights by the end of 2023. Furthermore, the service is scheduled to be expanded to all international and regional flights by the end of 2024.
However, unlike JetBlue which offers free WiFi to all passengers, Delta does have a catch. To use the free onboard WiFi on Delta flights, you need to be a member of SkyMiles, which is Delta’s frequent flyer program. Granted, it’s free to sign up for, so it’s easy to get access to (and definitely worth it if you’re flying Delta).
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| In-flight WiFi at no cost | You must sign up to be a SkyMiles member (free) |
| Massive flight network with flights all over the world | Power outlets are generally not available in economy (premium economy, business and first class only) |
| Collect miles in addition to getting free WiFi |
3. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines also joined the ranks of airlines with free WiFi recently as it has announced that it will now provide free WiFi to all passengers, effective July 1, 2023. Previously, only those flying in premium cabins were able to access free WiFi. But now all passengers on all flights and routes will be able to enjoy the service–for certain periods of time.
Like Delta, in order to connect to in-flight WiFi, passengers must join Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer loyalty program. Additionally, free WiFi is limited to two hours for economy class passengers and 3 hours for premium economy class passengers. Meanwhile, business and first-class passengers get unlimited free WiFi.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Free in-flight WiFi for all fare classes | Must sign up for KrisFlyer to access WiFi (it's free) |
| Seatback entertainment is also widely available in all classes | Standard economy is limited to 2 hours of free WiFi |
| Power outlets come standard on all fare classes, across most routes | Premium economy is limited to 3 hours of free WiFi |
| It's possible to sign up for KrisFlyer in-flight | Limited U.S. domestic flights |
4. Qatar Airways
If you’re heading towards the Middle East, consider Qatar Airways. It now offers free WiFi to its passengers, but there are a couple of caveats. One, to access the free WiFi on your Qatar Airways flight, you need to become a member of the airline’s frequent-flyer program, the Privilege Club (which is free). Two, the free access is restricted to one hour only.
The one-hour restriction is pretty subpar in our opinion. It could be more understandable if we were talking about an airline that primarily offers short-haul flights. However, if you’re flying Qatar Airways, chances are, you’re on a long-haul flight. After your hour is up, you will then have the option to purchase “Super WiFi” for $10 in-flight. Or, if you pre-purchase unlimited WiFi it costs $8.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| In-flight WiFi is available for free | Free WiFi is limited to one hour |
| Onboard USB outlets come standard | Must sign up for its frequent-flyer program, the Privilege Club (it's free) |
| Does not offer in-flight power outlets (just USB charging outlets) | |
| If you pay to upgrade your WiFi for $15 (nonrefundable) |
5. Norwegian Airlines
Norwegian Airlines, a European low-cost carrier, provides free WiFi for 15 minutes on many of their flights. While Norwegian used to offer transatlantic flights, it has recently cut back on its flight routes and is now operating largely within Europe. So, Norwegian is a good choice for free in-flight WiFi if you’re traveling within Europe, but it’s not going to help you if you’re flying within the U.S. or from the U.S. to Europe.
While Norwegian offers free high-speed internet, it’s only free for 15 minutes. So if you plan to watch a movie or TV show, you’ll need to purchase WiFi (about $15 USD). That, or you’ll only be entertained for 15 minutes.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Its free internet is high-speed | Free WiFi access is only available for 15 minutes |
| Lots of low-cost flights within Europe | Costs about $15 for premium WiFi |
| Only operates flights within Europe | |
| Onboard power outlets are rare |
Airlines With Free Wifi Onboard
| JetBlue | Delta Air Lines | Singapore Airlines | Qatar Airways | Norwegian Airlines | |
| In-Flight WiFi | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Time Limit in Economy Class | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 hours or 3 hours in premium economy | 1 hour | 15 minutes |
| High-Speed WiFi | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Access Requirements | None | Must sign up for loyalty program (free) | Must sign up for loyalty program (free) | None | None |
| Primary Routes | U.S. and Latin America | Worldwide | Asia | Middle East | Europe |
| Cost For Premium WiFi | Free | $10 | $15.99 for unlimited access of $3.99 per hour | $10 in-flight or $8 if bought in advance | $15 |
| Onboard Power Outlets | Yes | Only in premium seating classes | Yes | USB outlets-only | No |
Other Ways to Get Free Wifi on Flights
You might have heard that many other airlines offer free onboard WiFi. And it’s true that many do. However, most offer free WiFi for certain passengers, such as those in premium seating classes (e.g., premium economy, business or first), for those with airline status, or those who have certain travel rewards credit cards.
If you frequently fly one airline, it is worth looking at whether or not it offers free in-flight WiFi to status members. If so, consider joining its loyalty program (they’re nearly always free). Alternatively, some of the best travel rewards credit cards come with benefits such as free in-flight wifi, so it could be worth finding a card that offers free WiFi on the airlines you fly the most.
Bottom Line: Airlines With Free In-Flight WiFi
JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Norwegian Airlines are all leading the way when it comes to providing passengers with complimentary access to their onboard internet services. As more airlines begin to recognize the value of offering this amenity to their customers, we can expect even more carriers to join these ranks in the near future. So whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, make sure you check if your carrier is one of those that provide free in-flight wifi before booking your next trip.