WiFi On European Carriers On Routes Between Europe & North America: Compared

In today’s hyper-connected world, staying online while traveling has become necessary for passengers, especially on long-haul flights. Most European airlines recognize this demand and have enhanced the in-flight experience by offering WiFi on their transatlantic routes between Europe and North America.

The availability of WiFi varies among carriers, with many offering complimentary access to some degree. Airlines often provide free WiFi for messaging applications, allowing passengers to stay in touch with friends and family while in the air. In addition, many airlines have WiFi upgrade options for a more advanced internet experience, like streaming movies, video conferencing, or web browsing.

European airline WiFi packages

Carriers have developed tiered pricing models that allow passengers to choose from various data packages based on their needs. In addition to cash, some airlines have introduced options for using miles or loyalty points to cover the cost of WiFi access. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, accessing the internet at cruising altitude can transform passengers’ flying experience.

Air France

Air France

aircraft are equipped with WiFi. Passengers can choose from three WiFi Pass options to use their smartphone, tablet, or computer. According to Nerdwallet, Air France provides free and paid options for onboard WiFi.

The Message Pass: Free to all passengers.

The Surf Pass: Depending on the length of the flight, it costs around $19.41 or 6,000 Flying Blue miles on long-haul flights.

The Stream Pass: This pass is only available on long-distance flights, from takeoff to landing. It costs $32.35 or 10,000 Flying Blue miles.

For those who do not need connectivity for the entire flight, one hour of WiFi costs $8.63 or 2,700 miles.

Discover Airlines

Discover Airlines

offers Discover FlyNet on its transatlantic flights. Shortly after the flight takes off, the crew announces that in-flight WiFi is available, and the WLAN “Telekom_FlyNet” becomes visible once the aircraft has established a connection to the satellite.

To connect to the Internet onboard:

Aircraft mode must be enabled on your device.

Turn on WLAN and connect to Telekom FlyNet at cruising altitude.

On an A330-300, access www.lufthansa-flynet.com; on an A330-200, access www.discover-flynet.com in the browser.

Select and pay for the appropriate package using the HotSpot or Internet access tab.

Finnair

Finnair

offers a variety of internet packages for its long-haul, transatlantic flights. Passengers can purchase an internet package when making their Finnair booking, using the Manage booking page, in the Finnair app, during online check-in, or with the Nordic Sky portal.

Long-haul internet packages

ITA Airways

ITA Airways

provides WiFi service aboard its long-haul fleet: Airbus A350, A330-200, and A330neo. The connection service is active from an altitude of 10,000 ft, except for the Airbus A220, which will be available from the boarding to the disembarking stage.

To activate the in-flight connection:

Put your device in Airplane mode and turn on WiFi;

When allowed, connect your PC, tablet, or smartphone to ITAAirwaysWIFI, open the browser, and you will be automatically directed to the ITA Airways portal.

Select the Internet package you want by following the instructions on your device.

British Airways

British Airways

‘s WiFi service, .air, helps passengers stay connected with the world, work, and their social network from the comfort of their seats.

British Airways WiFi packages

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus

is one of the few airlines that does not offer complimentary WiFi. Instead, the airline provides various WiFi packages for purchase.

Icelandair

Icelandair

provides three ways for passengers to stay connected on their journey. Its in-flight WiFi and entertainment system keep passengers connected during the flight, while its eSIM bundles grant access to data roaming once they reach their destination.

For a fee, passengers in the economy class can purchase access to WiFi on a single device. Passengers flying Saga Premium and Saga Premium Flex receive complimentary WiFi access on two devices. Icelandair’s Saga Gold members receive complimentary WiFi access to two devices.

Members of Icelandair’s frequent flyer program, Icelandair Saga Club, can pay for WiFi using their Saga Points. Once in the WiFi portal, passengers can choose to pay using Saga Points.

Iberia

Iberia

has WiFi installed on 90% of its fleet, including its transatlantic flights. The airline provides free connectivity for messaging using WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, or Viber. This service is available to all customers traveling in Business class and Iberia Plus members, including those who sign up to be members during the flight. 

Iberia WiFi packages

KLM

KLM

provides free messaging during the entire flight. Its Message Pass offers complimentary messaging on all intercontinental flights with WiFi access during the whole flight. This lets passengers send and receive text messages using WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, and similar services.

Surf Pass

KLM offers the Surf Pass as a one-hour voucher or a full-flight voucher. With this pass, passengers can surf the internet, send and receive e-mails, and send and receive text messages. The airline advises against streaming with its Surf Pass. The Surf Pass’s internet connection speed will probably let you watch a buffering screen more often than the actual video.

Stream Pass

However, the airline offers the Stream Pass. For an additional cost, the package includes everything in the Surf Pass and the ability to stream music, audio, and video.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa

offers its FlyNet on-board Internet, whether passengers wish to use their time for working or for some surfing.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

offers a high-speed wireless internet connection. Passengers can use high-bandwidth-required applications on their laptops, tablets, and smartphones with this connection.

The airline offers business class passengers and Miles&Smiles program members complimentary internet service. Its passengers can complete their Miles&Smiles program membership before their flight or via the form on the internet login page and enjoy limitless messaging.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic offers WiFi on every flight. Whether passengers want to send emails, surf socials, or keep up to date with the news on the ground, they can stay connected to the World Wide Web while in the air.

WiFi providers vary by aircraft type, so the service and packages differ depending on which aircraft passengers fly on. Once WiFi is turned on after takeoff, passengers can keep their device in flight mode and enable WiFi to connect to the Virgin Atlantic network. Passengers will be taken automatically to Virgin Atlantic’s WiFi website, virgin-atlantic-wifi.com, where they can browse and purchase a package.