Photo: ImYanis (Shutterstock)
The amount of Americans flying has finally returned back to its pre-pandemic numbers, which means that on any given day, there are nearly two million people in the sky mindlessly scrolling through whatever apps still work on airplane mode. A handful of airlines are doing their part to create a better flying experience, though, by offering coveted free messaging or in-flight wifi. While these services aren’t an industry standard—yet—here’s a breakdown on what options the most popular airlines in the United States offer, and for what price (or if at all).
Airlines that offer free wife and free messaging
JetBlue: JetBlue is the only major U.S. airline to offer free, unlimited wifi on all of its flights. Partnered with Viasat, JetBlue not only allows customers to browse the internet and send messages, but also stream entertainment. Additionally, all passengers are offered a free 30-day trial to Amazon Prime Video, should they be in search for some entertainment. JetBlue does caution customers that due to weather and other variables, the wifi is not necessarily guaranteed throughout the whole flight.
Airlines that offer free messaging (but not free wifi)
Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines does offer free messaging via iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp, but customers hoping to hop on the wifi are going to have to pony up. You can buy a one-time pass, which starts at $5 but varies depending on the flight’s route and length; if you fly often enough to warrant it, Delta also offers wifi at a monthly rate of $49.95 per month for domestic flights and $69.95 per month for international flights. Their paid wifi does include streaming capabilities from, as they put it, pushback to park.
Alaska Airlines: Much like Delta, Alaska Airlines also offers free messaging via iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and Whatsapp, although it notes that you can only send words and emojis in your messages; pictures and videos will not go through. Should you want to splurge, you can pay $8 for a basic wifi plan, but this only includes email and web browsing—streaming and downloading large attachments are not supported.
Southwest Airlines: Sorry Facebook Messenger users, Southwest Airlines only offers free messaging to those using iMessage and WhatsApp, but they also offer free music via iHeartRadio. Wifi is available for purchase at $8 per device.
United Airlines: United offers free messaging in the form of iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp and wifi at $10 for domestic flights—and it allows you to switch among devices. You’re allowed to use video-streaming services, but not voice or video calls.
Airlines that don’t offer free wifi or free messaging
American Airlines: American Airlines does not offer free messaging, but customers can purchase wifi for $10 per device, which includes web browsing, email, and streaming services. For frequent flyers, American Airlines offers a monthly wifi subscription starting at $49.95 per month.
Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines does offer wifi for purchase on their flights, but prices vary by route and duration. You should note if you want streaming capabilities, you’ll have to purchase a specific streaming package.
Airlines that don’t offer wifi at all
Frontier Airlines: When asked why they don’t offer wifi, Frontier Airlines explains, “We would rather pass the cost-savings on to our customers and offer the lowest fares possible!” Fair enough.
Hawaiian Airlines: If you fly Hawaiian Airlines, you’re not going to get free messaging. You’re not going to get free wifi. But once you land in Hawaii, you’re going to get a free lei gently draped around your neck, and isn’t that better than any message or TV show?
