How to get free Wi-Fi on your next flight
Reading Time: 3 minThe days of paying $15 to $30 for spotty in-flight Wi-Fi that could barely load an email are mostly behind us.
Free in-flight internet is becoming much more common, especially if you know where to look. While not every airline offers it yet, a growing number now provide complimentary access through loyalty programs, premium cabins, credit cards, or even your phone plan.
Here’s how to stay connected at 30,000 feet without paying extra.
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How I stretched one rewards currency across three continentsAirlines that already offer free Wi-Fi
JetBlue was the pioneer here, offering free “Fly-Fi” for all passengers since 2017. It’s still the gold standard because you don’t even need a TrueBlue loyalty account to connect.
Other major airlines also offer free Wi-Fi now, though there’s usually a small catch (i.e., you need to join their loyalty program).
- Delta Air Lines: Most domestic and international flights offer free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.
- Southwest Airlines: As of fall 2025, free Wi-Fi is available fleetwide for all Rapid Rewards members.
- United Airlines: Free Wi-Fi is available for MileagePlus members on Starlink-equipped aircraft. As of early 2026, more than 300 United planes have been upgraded, mainly on regional routes, with additional aircraft rolling out through the year.
- American Airlines: Free Wi-Fi just launched for AAdvantage members in January 2026 on about 90% of the fleet.
- Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines: Both carriers are adding free Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos Rewards members. It’s already available on all Airbus aircraft, with fleetwide coverage expected by 2027.
Foreign airlines are catching up, too. Singapore Airlines stands out by offering unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi to all KrisFlyer members as long as your membership number is attached before departure.
Starlink is helping the shift. Airlines like Air France, British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi across their fleets, paving the way for fast, free internet in all cabins. Air Canada already offers complimentary Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members on many North American routes, with long-haul flights to follow.
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Click here to see our entire listFree Wi-Fi if you're flying business class
If your airline doesn’t already offer free Wi-Fi to everyone, it may be included if you’re sitting up front or hold elite status.
Japan Airlines, for example, offers unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi in first and business class on international flights, while economy passengers get up to one hour free.
Even budget airlines are getting in on the action. Spirit Airlines offers free Wi-Fi to Free Spirit Gold members and passengers booked in Spirit First.
Credit cards and phone plans can save you money
You may still be able to get free Wi-Fi even if your flight doesn’t offer it outright.
T-Mobile customers can get free in-flight Wi-Fi on many domestic and international flights operated by Alaska, American, and United, depending on their plan. Some plans include unlimited full-flight sessions, while others offer time-limited access.
Certain airline credit cards can also help. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® offers up to $100 per year in statement credits for in-flight purchases like Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, Alaska’s Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card includes up to eight Wi-Fi passes annually.
Don't forget about messaging passes
Even when full internet isn’t free, messaging often is.
Many airlines offer free messaging through apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. It’s not great for work, but it’s enough to stay in touch during the flight.
You might not get free internet on every flight yet, but the odds are strong your next connection in the sky will be free.
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