In recent years, Cathay Pacific has gradually introduced complimentary Wi-Fi to an increasing number of travelers. The airline has now added another group of eligible passengers for free Wi-Fi, so let’s review the specifics. If you’re flying in a premium cabin or hold a status in Cathay Pacific’s loyalty program, you are likely entitled to complimentary Wi-Fi.
In this post:
Cathay Pacific passengers eligible for free Wi-Fi
Cathay Pacific currently provides unlimited free Wi-Fi to the following categories of passengers:
– First class passengers
– Business class passengers
– Premium economy passengers enrolled in the Cathay program
– Cathay Diamond and Gold members in economy
Cathay Pacific has been implementing this in a very measured manner. Free Wi-Fi has been available in first class for several years, added to business class as of mid-last year, followed by Diamond members, then Gold members, and now for premium economy passengers who are part of Cathay Pacific’s loyalty program.
It’s important to note that in cases where Cathay membership is needed for free Wi-Fi, this benefit unfortunately does not apply to elite members of partner oneworld loyalty programs, even those with oneworld Emerald and oneworld Sapphire status.
Currently, Cathay Pacific provides Wi-Fi on 100% of its fleet, which includes Airbus A350s, Airbus A330s, Airbus A321neos, and Boeing 777s.
For passengers without free Wi-Fi access, Cathay Pacific typically charges $12.95 for Wi-Fi on flights lasting up to six hours, and $19.95-24.95 for Wi-Fi on flights exceeding six hours. Messaging passes can also be purchased at a reduced rate.
Inflight Wi-Fi is progressing rapidly
Inflight Wi-Fi has seen significant advancements in recent years in terms of both bandwidth and pricing. Initially, it was a novelty when an airline offered Wi-Fi at all. Then came improvements in speed, and today airlines are investing in making Wi-Fi free, at least in some instances.
Although many airlines still impose charges for Wi-Fi, some have begun providing complimentary inflight messaging to all passengers, and unlimited free Wi-Fi to those in premium cabins. For instance, in Asia, Singapore Airlines now provides unlimited free Wi-Fi to all KrisFlyer members. Additionally, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines extend unlimited free Wi-Fi to all first and business class passengers.
The challenge for Cathay Pacific is that while the airline promotes its high-speed Wi-Fi, it isn’t exactly on par with Starlink Wi-Fi, resulting in bandwidth constraints. As more people take advantage of free Wi-Fi, the speeds are likely to slow down.
It is hoped that Cathay Pacific can eventually offer complimentary Wi-Fi in lower cabins as well. However, the airline may need to enhance its Wi-Fi service before this can be expanded to economy class. With airlines increasingly shifting to Starlink, which enables all travelers to enjoy unlimited free Wi-Fi, it is hoped that this trend continues.
Bottom line
Cathay Pacific now offers free Wi-Fi to all first and business class passengers, premium economy travelers who are part of the Cathay program, and economy passengers who hold Cathay Diamond or Gold status. This development is encouraging, especially with 100% of Cathay Pacific’s fleet now equipped with inflight connectivity.
It is true that complimentary inflight Wi-Fi for all will soon become common, so hopefully, this will be further broadened in the future.
What are your thoughts on Cathay Pacific expanding free Wi-Fi for premium passengers?