Cathay Pacific Expands Free In-Flight Wi-Fi: What You Need to Know
The airline's Business Class passengers and Diamond members will also get online for free from November
Photo: First Class, Boeing 777-300ER. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has expanded its free in-flight Wi-Fi service to all business class passengers. Starting in November, the Hong Kong-based airline will also offer connectivity to Diamond members of its loyalty program in all cabins. However, passengers should not expect very high internet speeds.
The airline has offered travelers complimentary internet access in its first class cabins since 2022. However, Cathay Pacific has reduced its first class service and now only offers its most luxurious cabin on some Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, including just one daily flight to the U.S.
Other passengers can access the Wi-Fi by paying between $10 and $20 per flight.
Expansion of In-Flight Wi-Fi Service
In a New Year’s message to frequent flyers in January, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam promised that more of them would soon be able to browse the web for free.
That time has now arrived. Following successful trials this summer, in which usage patterns and speeds were monitored on an internet-connected Airbus A350, Cathay has officially launched complimentary Wi-Fi in business class.
Photo: Airbus A350-1000. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific
Come November, the perk will be extended to high-ranking Cathay Diamond members, regardless of their class of travel.
How Can Passengers Access Free Wi-Fi?
Of course, your aircraft must be equipped to offer Wi-Fi. Cathay Pacific has stated that 90 percent of its fleet, including all long-haul planes, Airbus A350s, and Airbus A321neos, as well as most Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s, already have Wi-Fi. The remaining aircraft should be upgraded to offer Wi-Fi by the middle of next year.”
Photo: First Class meal service. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific
Cathay’s chief customer and commercial officer, Lavinia Lau, said, “At Cathay Pacific, we are committed to investing in and further elevating the experience we provide for our customers.”
“With complimentary Wi-Fi now available to customers traveling in First and Business class, and coming soon to our Cathay Diamond members, they can stay connected in the air whether traveling for business or leisure.”
Speed Limitations
However, don’t expect lightning speeds. During trials this summer, the Wi-Fi on Cathay’s planes clocked in at 5Mbps—fast enough to browse the web and check your email but not quick enough to stream high-quality video.
Those speeds were consistent throughout the day but lower than the 10Mbps paid travelers sometimes reported before the free rollout. With bandwidth limited, more passengers online means slower speeds for everyone.
Free Wi-Fi Is Now the Norm
Free Wi-Fi is becoming more common on flights, although speeds are still lagging. In Asia, Singapore Airlines offers free unlimited Wi-Fi to all members of its KrisFlyer loyalty program, which is free to join. Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) provides first and business class passengers with free Wi-Fi, while China Eastern Airlines is trialing free internet for all passengers and currently allows 100 customers per flight to take part.
Not in Cathay Pacific business class or a Diamond member? The airline charges the following to get online:
- Flights of six hours or less: $12.95
- Flights above six hours: $19.95
- One continuous hour of use: $9.95
Travelers can also buy a Message Pass for $3.95 per flight, allowing them to send and receive text messages over Wi-Fi using apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, LINE, and WeChat.
