Vistara Airlines has become the first Indian airline to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi on its international flights. The new feature will be available on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft. Passengers in all cabins can enjoy 20 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi, a great perk for staying connected while flying.
The service is powered by Panasonic Avionics and ensures smooth connectivity even at 35,000 feet. If you need more than 20 minutes, you can purchase additional data plans using Indian or international debit and credit cards.
Other airlines have also made strides in enhancing in-flight connectivity. For instance, Emirates offers free Wi-Fi to passengers in all classes, with a limited data allowance for economy class but more generous business and first-class plans. Qatar Airways provides free Wi-Fi to business and first-class passengers while economy-class travellers can purchase access.
Similarly, Singapore Airlines offers complimentary Wi-Fi for PPS Club and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, with paid options for other travellers. In North America, Alaska Airlines offers free Wi-Fi on some aircraft, a growing trend among U.S. carriers. JetBlue offers free Wi-Fi on all flights, making them a significant draw for many passengers.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa also provides free Wi-Fi for first and business-class travellers, while economy passengers can access it for a fee. British Airways offers complimentary Wi-Fi for its Club World and First passengers, with a limited free option for others.
All of these initiatives reflect a broader trend among airlines to improve the travel experience by making connectivity more accessible, enhancing convenience and keeping passengers engaged.
(With inputs from multiple reports)