Airline to launch free messaging on long-haul flights… even for economy passengers

AN AIRLINE has revealed plans to launch free messaging on long-haul flights for all its customers – even those in economy.

The service will be available on flights worldwide and is expected to be introduced this summer.

Last year, Lufthansa introduced free messaging on its short and medium haul flights.

But major chat services, such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Messenger and Telegram will now be available to use on international flights, reports One Mile at a Time.

Passengers will be able to enjoy the service on their smartphones and tablets.

For those flying, they will even be able to send and receive unlimited pictures.

To access the free service travellers just need to log into the FlyNet portal using a Miles & More service card number.

The card can be downloaded onto your phone and allows you to redeem the airline’s services.

If passengers don’t have access to this, they can create an account with the airline during the flight.

The most important element is having an email that is registered with Lufthansa.

Whilst messaging will be readily available for customers across all classes, browsing the web will not be part of the freebie.

Lufthansa will continue to charge for full Wi-Fi passes, or will be free of charge for first-class passengers.

Wi-Fi can cost anything from three to 10 euros.

British Airways charges between £1.99 and £21.99, depending on the length of the flight and the size of the package.

It is only free for Executive passengers using the messaging-only service, or free for First Class passengers to add a browsing and streaming package too.

Virgin Atlantic’s WiFi ranges from £2.99 and £20.99 depending on how long you want to use it, although some of the carriers offer a free 20 minute option.

Budget airlines like Ryanair currently don’t offer WiFi.

Other airlines that offer free WiFi including Turkish Airlines are JetBlue, Air New Zealand and China Eastern.

This comes as Turkish Airline confirmed it would be offering its customers free and unlimited Wi-Fi across its flights.

All of the airline’s fleet will be equipped with the newest in-flight connectivity (IFC) tech by the end of 2025.

It said on social media: “Stay connected at 30,000 feet!

“In partnership with TCI Aircraft Interiors and Türksat, we will bring free and unlimited Wi-Fi to our entire fleet by the end of 2025.

“We’re integrating the latest in-flight connectivity tech to keep you online.”