Airports And Free Guest Wi-Fi: What's The Deal?

Airports can be boring and exhausting, especially if you have time to kill. While some airports offer entertainment in the form of spas and cinemas, these can be costly. Luckily, free airport Wi-Fi is becoming more commonplace. However, it's worth noting that not all Wi-Fi connections are equal. They vary in speed, and some only offer a few minutes of free connectivity before switching to a paid service. It's also important to be cautious when using free Wi-Fi networks in airports, as they may not always be secure.

Cybersecurity risks of free airport WiFi

Despite the warnings from cybersecurity experts, travelers continue to connect to free airport WiFi without considering the risks. Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, advises against using open free airport WiFi connections or hotspots. Airports are ideal hunting grounds for cybercriminals as they are crowded with easy targets.

A report by security experts Coronet collected data from over 250,000 users traveling through the busiest airports in the US and found that most public WiFi systems at airports posed notable risks to passengers' devices. The report also revealed that two-thirds of Americans are willing to risk their online privacy for convenience.

Identity Theft and Account Takeovers

Hackers can intercept data sent over a compromised network, including passwords and Social Security numbers, allowing them to steal identities or break into online accounts.

Financial Losses

Unsecured WiFi may allow cybercriminals to steal financial information, such as bank account numbers or credit card data, leading to financial losses.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Business travelers are often targeted by cybercriminals who attempt to access their email accounts to conduct fraud.

Phishing Attacks and Fake Login Pages

Attackers may set up phishing sites, fake websites, or fraudulent login pages to trick users into disclosing personal and financial information.

Malware Infections

Fake downloads may be injected into legitimate airport web pages, compromising users' devices with malware, including keyloggers, which send keystrokes directly to scammers.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

Attackers can insert themselves between users and unsecured public WiFi networks, intercepting data in transit.

To protect themselves, users should consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt their data, confirm the official WiFi network name with airport staff, avoid automatically joining new networks, use antivirus software, and refrain from entering sensitive information while connected to public WiFi.

Steps to connect to airport WiFi

Many airports offer free WiFi to passengers, but it's important to be cautious when connecting to any public WiFi network. Cybercriminals often target airports as they are full of people who want to get online, and they often don't think twice about connecting to any network that will get them online.

Check the Network Name:

Firstly, make sure you are connecting to the correct network. Airports usually have clear signage displaying the name of the official WiFi network. Look out for this and double-check the name of the network you are connecting to.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN):

Before connecting to any public WiFi, it is highly recommended that you use a VPN. A VPN boosts your security by creating an encoded tunnel between your device and a server. This makes it much harder for anyone to access your data. There are many affordable VPN options available, and some devices have built-in VPN features.

Connect to the Network:

Once you have confirmed the network name and enabled your VPN, connect to the WiFi network. This is usually done by selecting the network from a list of available networks on your device and clicking 'connect'.

Login or Provide Details:

Some airport WiFi networks will require you to log in or provide some details, such as your mobile number, to access the network. Follow the on-screen instructions to input the required information.

Set a Password or PIN:

If you are required to create an account or profile to access the WiFi, make sure to set a strong and unique password or PIN that you don't use for any other accounts. This will help protect your information.

Monitor Your Activity:

While connected to public WiFi, avoid accessing sensitive information or performing tasks that require you to input personal or financial details. Be cautious about the websites you visit and the information you share.

By following these steps, you can connect to airport WiFi while taking precautions to protect your data and devices.

The best airports for WiFi

While many airports offer free WiFi, the speed, quality, and effectiveness can vary drastically. Tech company Ookla, the maker of the SpeedTest app, has published a list of the best airports in the United States for free internet. Four airports in the US topped the list, all major international hubs:

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

With a median upload and download speed of 176.25 Mbps, this airport offers the fastest free WiFi in the US.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Coming in second, this airport offers a median upload and download speed of 171.01 Mbps.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

With a median upload and download speed of 113.64 Mbps, this airport also provides excellent speeds for travellers.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

This airport has a median upload and download speed of 85.49 Mbps, making it the fourth-fastest in the US.

Other airports worth mentioning include Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Denver International Airport (DEN), all of which had a median upload and download speed of 50 Mbps.

For travellers seeking even faster speeds, airport lounges often provide super-fast internet connections. For example, the United Club in Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offered median upload and download speeds of 246.17 Mbps, much faster than the airport's free network.

Outside of the US, the Delhi Airport in India also provides free WiFi to passengers across all terminals. While free airport WiFi can be convenient, cybersecurity experts advise against connecting to public WiFi networks due to the risk of security breaches.

How to access WiFi safely

Many airports offer free WiFi to passengers, but using public WiFi can come with risks. Here are some tips on how to access WiFi safely:

Verify the Network

Cybercriminals can create bogus wireless networks that look official. Always double-check the name of the wireless network you are connecting to. If there is a QR code provided, use it to ensure you connect to the correct network. You can also verify the correct network name with an employee.

Avoid Transmitting Sensitive Information

If possible, avoid transmitting sensitive data such as social security numbers, bank account information, and credit card details. If you need to access this information, use your smartphone's personal hotspot or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Forget the Network When You're Done

After you finish using a public wireless network, go to your device's settings and select "Forget the Network." This will prevent your device from automatically connecting to that network in the future without your knowledge.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN adds a layer of security by masking your IP address and encrypting all data leaving your device. This helps to protect your online privacy and keep your data secure.

Use Your Phone's Hotspot

Using your phone's hotspot can be more secure than a random public wireless network. You can trust your carrier network more, and with 5G wireless, your phone's connection speed may be faster than public WiFi.

Other Precautions

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection.
• Keep your antivirus software and operating systems up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
• Be cautious when using public computers; always log out of your accounts and avoid saving passwords.
• Avoid auto-connect and file-sharing settings on your device when connecting to public WiFi.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your devices within sight to prevent theft or unauthorised access.

By following these precautions, you can help protect your data and privacy when accessing WiFi, especially in public places like airports.

Airlines that offer free WiFi

While many airports offer free WiFi, it's not always secure. Using your phone's personal hotspot is a safer option.

JetBlue

JetBlue is the only US airline that provides free, high-speed WiFi to its passengers. All JetBlue flights are equipped with 'Fly-Fi', in partnership with Amazon Prime. Passengers can stream Amazon Video and other content on their personal devices.

Norwegian Airlines

Norwegian Airlines, a low-cost carrier based in Europe, offers unlimited free WiFi on intra-European and long-haul flights. For faster, higher-quality WiFi, you can purchase one of their premium options.

Emirates

Emirates offers free WiFi to Emirates Skywards members. Emirates Skywards is a frequent flyer program with over 30 million passengers worldwide.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines provides passengers with 30 minutes of free WiFi or 15 MB of data. It's available on select international aircraft, including most A330s, 777-300s, and all A350s serving Manila to London/New York routes.

Qantas

Qantas offers free high-speed WiFi on board all domestic Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 flights within Australia. Free WiFi is also available on selected international flights.

Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines, a mainland China carrier, offers unlimited free WiFi to all passengers on board the Boeing 787-9 aircraft. There's no limit to the number of devices that can be connected.

Nok Air

Nok Air provides free unlimited WiFi on all its flights, perfect for business travellers within Thailand.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand offers free WiFi on all their Airbus 320neo jets and plans to expand to some of their 787 aircraft. Passengers can browse the web, send and receive emails and messages, and use social media.

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia offers free WiFi on domestic and trans-Tasman flights within Australia. The airline was the first to offer WiFi on international flights from Australia.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus provides free WiFi to business class passengers or AerClub Concierge members on certain aircraft in their fleet, such as the A330 and A321neoLR. Passengers can access emails, instant messaging, social media, and online shopping.

Frequently asked questions