As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, staying online even at 30,000 feet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, offers WiFi on many of its flights, but can you get it for free? In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to stay connected on an Emirates flight without breaking the bank.
Emirates WiFi Plans: A Brief Overview
Before we dive into the ways to get free WiFi on Emirates, let’s take a brief look at the airline’s WiFi plans. Emirates offers two WiFi plans: the Chat Bundle and the Surf Bundle. The Chat Bundle allows passengers to send and receive messages on popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat, while the Surf Bundle provides full internet access.
The prices for these plans vary depending on the route and the class of travel. For example, on an A380 flight, the Chat Bundle costs $2.99 for 20MB of data, while the Surf Bundle costs $9.99 for 150MB of data.
How to Get Free WiFi on Emirates: The Ultimate Guide
While Emirates’ WiFi plans are relatively affordable, getting free WiFi is always a better option. Here are some ways to stay connected on an Emirates flight without paying a dime:
1. Emirates Skywards Members
If you’re an Emirates Skywards member, you can enjoy free WiFi on select flights. Emirates Skywards is the airline’s loyalty program, and members can earn miles and rewards by flying with Emirates or its partner airlines.
To get free WiFi as an Emirates Skywards member, you need to have a minimum of 25,000 miles in your account. You can then redeem these miles for a free WiFi voucher, which can be used on select flights.
2. Emirates Business and First Class Passengers
If you’re traveling in style in Emirates’ Business or First Class, you can enjoy free WiFi throughout your flight. This is just one of the many perks of flying in a premium cabin, and it’s a great way to stay connected while you’re in the air.
3. Emirates’ Free WiFi Promotions
From time to time, Emirates runs promotions that offer free WiFi to all passengers. These promotions are usually limited to specific routes or travel dates, so it’s essential to check the airline’s website or social media channels for the latest offers.
For example, in 2020, Emirates offered free WiFi to all passengers on select flights to celebrate the airline’s 35th anniversary. These promotions are a great way to get free WiFi, but you need to be flexible with your travel dates and routes.
4. WiFi Vouchers from Emirates Partners
Emirates has partnered with several companies to offer free WiFi vouchers to their customers. For example, if you’re a customer of Emirates’ partner bank, Emirates Islamic, you can get a free WiFi voucher when you book a flight with Emirates.
These vouchers can be redeemed for free WiFi on select flights, and they’re a great way to stay connected while you’re in the air.
How to Use Emirates WiFi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve got your free WiFi voucher or you’ve purchased a WiFi plan, it’s time to connect to the internet. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Emirates WiFi:
Step 1: Enable WiFi on Your Device
To connect to Emirates WiFi, you need to enable WiFi on your device. This can be done by going to your device’s settings and switching on the WiFi option.
Step 2: Select the Emirates WiFi Network
Once you’ve enabled WiFi on your device, select the Emirates WiFi network from the list of available networks. The network name will be “Emirates WiFi” or “Emirates OnAir”.
Step 3: Open Your Web Browser
Open your web browser and navigate to the Emirates WiFi portal. You can do this by typing “emirates.com/wifi” in your browser’s address bar.
Step 4: Enter Your WiFi Voucher or Purchase a Plan
If you have a free WiFi voucher, enter the voucher code on the Emirates WiFi portal. If you don’t have a voucher, you can purchase a WiFi plan using your credit card.
Step 5: Start Browsing
Once you’ve entered your voucher code or purchased a plan, you can start browsing the internet. You can check your emails, send messages, or stream your favorite shows on Emirates’ ice entertainment system.
Emirates WiFi Speed and Coverage: What to Expect
Emirates WiFi is powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation network, which provides high-speed internet connectivity to passengers. The WiFi speed on Emirates flights is relatively fast, with download speeds of up to 50Mbps.
However, the WiFi coverage on Emirates flights can be patchy, especially on older aircraft. The airline is constantly upgrading its fleet to improve WiFi coverage, but it’s still not available on all flights.
Emirates WiFi Coverage by Aircraft Type
Here’s a breakdown of Emirates WiFi coverage by aircraft type:
| Aircraft Type | WiFi Coverage |
| — | — |
| A380 | Available on most flights |
| B777-300ER | Available on most flights |
| B777-200LR | Limited coverage |
| A330-200 | Limited coverage |
Conclusion
Getting free WiFi on Emirates is possible, but it requires some planning and flexibility. Whether you’re an Emirates Skywards member, a Business or First Class passenger, or you’ve managed to snag a free WiFi voucher, staying connected on an Emirates flight has never been easier.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy free WiFi on your next Emirates flight and stay connected with your loved ones, even at 30,000 feet.
Is free WiFi available on all Emirates flights?
Free WiFi is available on most Emirates flights, but not all. Emirates offers free WiFi on its A380 and select Boeing 777 aircraft. However, the availability of free WiFi may vary depending on the route and aircraft type. It’s best to check with Emirates directly for the most up-to-date information on WiFi availability on your specific flight.
If your flight is equipped with free WiFi, you can expect to stay connected throughout your journey. Emirates’ free WiFi is powered by satellite technology, which provides a reliable and fast internet connection. Whether you want to stay in touch with family and friends, catch up on work, or simply browse the internet, Emirates’ free WiFi has got you covered.
How do I access free WiFi on Emirates flights?
To access free WiFi on Emirates flights, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure your device is in airplane mode and then connect to the Emirates WiFi network. Once connected, open your web browser and navigate to the Emirates WiFi portal. From there, you can select your preferred WiFi plan and start browsing the internet.
Emirates offers a range of WiFi plans to suit different needs and budgets. If you’re looking for free WiFi, you can opt for the Emirates’ free WiFi plan, which offers limited data and is suitable for light browsing and messaging. If you need more data, you can upgrade to a paid WiFi plan, which offers faster speeds and more data.
What is the speed of Emirates’ free WiFi?
The speed of Emirates’ free WiFi is generally fast and reliable, but it may vary depending on the number of users and the aircraft’s altitude. Emirates’ free WiFi is powered by satellite technology, which provides a fast and stable internet connection. However, the speed may be slower than what you’re used to on the ground.
On average, Emirates’ free WiFi speeds range from 1-5 Mbps, which is suitable for light browsing, emailing, and messaging. However, if you need faster speeds for streaming or heavy browsing, you may want to consider upgrading to a paid WiFi plan. Emirates’ paid WiFi plans offer faster speeds of up to 20 Mbps, making it ideal for heavy internet users.
Can I use Emirates’ free WiFi to make voice calls?
No, Emirates’ free WiFi does not support voice calls. Emirates’ free WiFi is designed for data-only use, which means you can use it for browsing, emailing, and messaging, but not for making voice calls. If you need to make a voice call, you can use Emirates’ onboard phone service, which is available on select flights.
However, you can use Emirates’ free WiFi to send messages and make video calls using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype. Emirates’ free WiFi supports these apps, allowing you to stay in touch with family and friends while in the air.
Is Emirates’ free WiFi secure?
Yes, Emirates’ free WiFi is secure. Emirates takes the security of its WiFi network seriously and has implemented various measures to protect its passengers’ data. Emirates’ WiFi network is encrypted, which means that your data is protected from unauthorized access.
Additionally, Emirates’ WiFi network is monitored 24/7 to detect and prevent any potential security threats. Emirates also recommends that passengers take their own precautions to secure their devices and data while using the WiFi network. This includes using a VPN, keeping your device’s software up to date, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments.
Can I use Emirates’ free WiFi on my tablet or laptop?
Yes, you can use Emirates’ free WiFi on your tablet or laptop. Emirates’ free WiFi is compatible with most devices, including tablets and laptops. Simply connect to the Emirates WiFi network, open your web browser, and navigate to the Emirates WiFi portal to start browsing the internet.
However, please note that Emirates’ free WiFi may not be compatible with all devices, especially older models. If you’re having trouble connecting to the WiFi network, you can contact Emirates’ onboard staff for assistance. They’ll be happy to help you troubleshoot the issue and get you connected.
How much data does Emirates’ free WiFi offer?
Emirates’ free WiFi offers limited data, which is suitable for light browsing and messaging. The exact amount of data offered varies depending on the flight and route, but on average, Emirates’ free WiFi offers around 20 MB of free data. This is enough for sending emails, browsing the internet, and messaging, but may not be enough for heavy browsing or streaming.
If you need more data, you can upgrade to a paid WiFi plan, which offers more data and faster speeds. Emirates’ paid WiFi plans start from around $9.99 for 150 MB of data, making it an affordable option for heavy internet users.