Heathrow Airport: Free Wifi Access For All Passengers?

Heathrow Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout its terminals. To access the Wi-Fi, select _Heathrow Wi-Fi from your device's Wi-Fi settings and follow the on-screen instructions. While the Wi-Fi is free, it is limited—users have access to 45 minutes of Wi-Fi straight away, but this can be extended to 90 minutes by providing an email address and joining the Heathrow Rewards programme. The Wi-Fi also has some limitations, including the prevention of downloading apps, streaming, and using a VPN.

How to connect to Heathrow WiFi

Heathrow Airport offers free WiFi, which is available throughout the terminals. The WiFi is also certified "Friendly WiFi", meaning that it filters out inappropriate content and is safe for children to use.

To connect to Heathrow's WiFi, follow these steps:

For iOS:

• Go to your WiFi settings from the Home Screen.
• Select "_Heathrow Wi-Fi" from the options to connect.

For Android:

• Go to your Android Settings.
• Tap "Wi-Fi" under "Wireless & Networks".
• Select and tap "_Heathrow Wi-Fi" to connect.

For Windows:

• Find and click "Network and Internet".
• Go to the "Network and Sharing Center".
• Go to "Set up a new connection or network".
• Select "Manually connect to a wireless network".
• Type "_Heathrow Wi-Fi" in the "Network Name" field.
• Select "WPA2-Personal" as the Security Type.
• Click "Start this connection automatically".

For Mac:

• Click the WiFi icon on the menu bar.
• Look for and select "_Heathrow Wi-Fi".

Alternatively, you can simply go to your device's WiFi settings and look for the SSID named "_Heathrow Wi-Fi".

Once connected, follow the on-screen instructions to register and enjoy free WiFi for the duration of your stay at Heathrow.

Heathrow Rewards and WiFi

Heathrow Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout its terminals to help you stay in touch or plan your travels. To connect, simply select _Heathrow Wi-Fi from your device's Wi-Fi settings and follow the on-screen instructions. Once registered, you'll receive free Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay at Heathrow.

If you're a member of the Heathrow Rewards loyalty programme, you can enjoy faster Wi-Fi at no extra charge. The Heathrow Rewards programme is similar to store loyalty programmes, allowing you to collect points when you make purchases at the airport shops, use the currency exchange bureaux, or book on the Heathrow Express. These points can then be exchanged for shopping vouchers.

If you're not a member of Heathrow Rewards, you can still access 45 minutes of free Wi-Fi. By providing your email address and joining the Heathrow Rewards programme, your free access can be extended to 90 minutes.

Heathrow's Wi-Fi is also certified "Friendly Wi-Fi", ensuring that inappropriate content is filtered out and the network is safe for children to use. This certification is backed by Friendly WiFi, a government-initiated standard that ensures public Wi-Fi meets minimum filtering standards, particularly in areas where children are present.

In addition to Wi-Fi, Heathrow Airport also provides free internet kiosks in every terminal, as well as Power Poles with sockets and USB ports for charging mobile devices.

WiFi limitations

Heathrow Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout its terminals for the duration of your stay. However, there are some limitations to be aware of. Firstly, to access the free Wi-Fi, you need to register and follow the on-screen instructions. This registration process may include providing your email address and joining the "Heathrow Rewards" programme, which offers benefits such as extended Wi-Fi access and loyalty points for purchases made at the airport.

While the Wi-Fi is described as "very fast" by some users, there are restrictions in place that prevent certain activities. For example, speed tests, app downloads, and system updates cannot be performed while connected to Heathrow's Wi-Fi. Additionally, streaming services like YouTube may not work as expected due to possible blocking or bandwidth limitations. These restrictions are likely in place to ensure stable internet access for all passengers, especially for important travel-related tasks such as dealing with flights, transportation, and accommodation bookings.

Furthermore, it appears that Heathrow's Wi-Fi blocks the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which could impact users who rely on VPNs for secure internet access. The exact reasons for blocking VPNs are unclear, but it may be due to the high number of users at the airport or network configuration limitations. To work around this, users can opt for alternative internet access methods, such as using a coffee shop's Wi-Fi or purchasing a data plan from a mobile carrier.

Streaming and downloading on Heathrow WiFi

Heathrow Airport offers free WiFi to its passengers. However, there are some limitations to the usage of the airport's WiFi. While the WiFi icon on a phone may show a status of "Very Fast", the WiFi configuration may prevent the execution of speed tests. This makes it difficult to identify the specific WiFi speed available.

The WiFi also prevents the download of apps to smartphones. This includes general phone system updates and the download of VPN apps. Streaming is also blocked on the airport's WiFi. For example, trying to play a YouTube video may result in the loading spinner continuously spinning without the video ever playing.

However, some passengers have reported being able to use the WiFi for casual web browsing, app and app-based game connections, and email. Streaming and downloading content may be possible to some extent, but it is not recommended for large files or high-quality streaming.

If you need more data for streaming or downloading, you can consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan or using a portable WiFi device. Alternatively, you can look for coffee shops or airport lounges that offer WiFi, as these may provide better speeds and fewer restrictions.

Power Poles for charging devices

Heathrow Airport offers free Wi-Fi across all its terminals. To access the Wi-Fi, simply select the "Heathrow Wi-Fi" network and follow the on-screen instructions. Once registered, you will have free Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay.

In addition to free Wi-Fi, Heathrow also provides convenient charging solutions for your devices. Free Power Pole charging stations are available in all terminals, both before and after security. These charging stations are compatible with UK and European plugs, as well as USB cables, ensuring that you can charge your devices regardless of your plug type.

The Power Poles have been upgraded with cutting-edge technology, allowing for faster charging. In just ten minutes, you can increase your device's battery life by up to 20%. Each charging station offers a variety of charging options, including reinforced USB-C and Apple Lightning cables, Qi2 wireless charging pads, and USB sockets for your cables. The stations are designed with a two-tier structure to accommodate all users, whether standing, seated, or using a wheelchair.

With Heathrow's focus on innovation and passenger satisfaction, the Power Poles are remotely monitored to ensure optimal performance and minimise downtime. This real-time data helps Heathrow enhance the charging experience and make informed decisions about future infrastructure investments.

So, whether you're browsing the internet using Heathrow's free Wi-Fi or charging your devices at the Power Poles, you can stay connected and informed throughout your time at the airport.

Frequently asked questions