Summary
- Brazilian Deputy Nicoletti introduces bill without cost WiFi on flights over 2 hours, aiming to boost passenger convenience and value.
- Azul Linhas Aéreas is currently the one Brazilian airline offering free WiFi, while GOL and LATAM Brasil provide paid options.
- Global airlines, including Emirates, JetBlue, and Singapore Airlines, have various approaches to offering free WiFi onboard.
Brazilian Deputy Antonio Carlos Nicoletti presented a bill to the country’s Chamber of Deputies and the Senate that will force airlines to offer free WiFi connectivity on flights lasting greater than two hours.
Free WiFi connectivity
Not so way back, the thought of getting real-time WiFi connectivity on flights was outlandish. Traveling on a plane was one in every of the few remaining realms where fast connectivity was limited. But now, airlines are introducing WiFi to their services, and most charge passengers who wish to enjoy browsing the web.
In Brazil, Azul Linhas Aéreas is an airline that gives free WiFi connection, in keeping with its website. So long as the passenger is onboard an aircraft with available service, they’ll browse unlimitedly.
Nonetheless, Brazilian Deputy Nicoletti desires to make this extensive across all carriers flying within the South American country. He presented Bill 1900/23, which might require airlines to supply passengers free web access on domestic flights lasting greater than two hours. The text is currently under review within the Chamber of Deputies and would force a change within the Brazilian Aeronautics Code. The bill is being examined by the committees on Transportation and Structure and Justice and Citizenship.
Photo: Lukas Souza | Easy Flying.
Furthermore, in-flight web service should meet broadband requirements, as specified by the country’s National Telecommunications Agency. Deputy Nicoletti said,
Brazilian airlines GOL and LATAM Brasil also offer WiFi connectivity onboard their flights. GOL has three web packages. The primary one is free and allows passengers to flick thru WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage, allowing texting. The sunshine package, which has a price of 25 reais for one hour or 40 reais for the entire service ($5-8), allows for light browsing for reviewing emails, news web sites, and online shops. The Max Flight Package, which is made for streaming, has a price of 45 reais for one hour and 58 reais for the entire flight ($9-12).
LATAM Brasil provides inflight WiFi service on Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. The service has a price range from 7.50 reais ($1.5) per hour. This feature was introduced back in 2018.
Which airlines offer free WiFi on most flights
Not many airlines globally currently offer free WiFi service. Within the Middle East, Emirates and Etihad offer free WiFi to members of their respective loyalty programs. Qatar Airways offers up to 1 hour of free WiFi to its Privilege Club members.
Photo: Delta Air Lines.
In North America, JetBlue and Delta Air Lines offer free WiFi (although the latter only to SkyMile members). United and American Airlines only offer this feature in limited circumstances.
In Asia, Singapore Airlines has begun rolling out free WiFi to all passengers. Turkish Airlines has free messaging. Besides Azul Linhas Aéreas, no other Latin American airline is currently known for offering free WiFi.
Should airlines provide free WiFi?
This can be a complex query, but we’ll base our answer on the airline’s business model. Perhaps full-service airlines should include free WiFi as a perk on some select fares, in the identical way they provide free seat selection, checked-in luggage, and more. Low-cost airlines mustn’t provide free WiFi. It just doesn’t make sense. They need to sell the likelihood as an ancillary product.
Nonetheless, forcing airlines to offer free WiFi, as suggested within the bill introduced by Brazilian deputy Nicoletti, just isn’t the very best idea.
Do you think that airlines should provide free WiFi connectivity onboard their flights? Tell us within the comments below.