Emirates Adds Complimentary Wi-Fi to All Passengers… But There’s a Catch

Updated April 2025 In the golden age of inflight connectivity (or at least, the age where it doesn’t cost you £30 to send “lol ok”), Emirates is finally doing what we all hoped for: rolling out complimentary Wi-Fi to all passengers. But before you start bingeing Netflix at 38,000 feet, here’s what you really need to know.

The Basics

As of mid-2023, Emirates officially started offering free onboard Wi-Fi for every Skywards member. That’s right, even Blue members flying in Economy can stay connected. No elite status or cabin upgrades are needed.

And yes, we’re talking real Wi-Fi, not just that glacial SMS-style chat access.

But the devil is in the data cap, so let’s unpack it properly.

Here’s What You Get

The Emirates Wi-Fi offering is now based on a system tied to your Skywards status and travel class. It’s slick, innovative, and finally feels like 2025. Here’s how it breaks down:

Messaging includes WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and the like. It includes text only; no pictures or videos unless you have full internet access.

What’s New for 2024–2025?

It’s not just about who gets what anymore. Emirates has also been investing in faster, more reliable inflight Wi-Fi:

• Their new A350s are equipped with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation broadband, which means faster internet, even over sketchy routes like the Arctic Circle.
• Over $300 million has been invested in the onboard connectivity programme, and there are clear signs it’s paying off. Wi-Fi usage is up 30%, and Emirates says around 10% of all passengers are now logging on mid-flight.

On US routes, that figure jumps to 20%. Europeans and Africans are still playing catch-up at 11%. It must be all those naps and sudoku.

The Catch (You Knew There’d Be One)

You must be an Emirates Skywards member to get any of this. Not a member? You’re back to square one, coughing up for access or staring blankly at the moving map for seven hours.

Luckily, joining Skywards is free, takes 30 seconds, and can be done on the spot (even during online check-in). Don’t be that guy who misses the memes because you forgot to register.

Final Boarding Call

This is a solid move from Emirates, especially when other full-service carriers (cough, Lufthansa) still charge for basic messaging. While full internet in Economy is still behind a paywall (unless you’re Platinum), the direction of travel is promising.

So, if your next flight is on the A380 Wi-Fi palace or a shiny new A350, login, load up your messages and pretend to work while you fly.

Still Taxiing? Read On:

• How does the Emirates chauffeur service work and who is eligible for it?
• How Does Your World Rewards Partnership With Emirates Work?
• Emirates Starting to Install Premium Economy Seats on the A380 Fleet