JAL to expand free onboard wi-fi service to international flights from October 2024

JAL Onboard Wi-Fi
JAL already offers free wi-fi on international flights to first class passengers.

Starting from October 1, 2024, JAL will offer free onboard wi-fi service to passengers traveling on both international and domestic flights in all classes. Currently, only first class passengers traveling on international flights and all passengers on domestic flight can use the service for free.

In addition to first class passengers, once the free wi-fi service is expanded, business class passengers traveling on international flights will also be able to enjoy unlimited wi-fi. Premium economy and economy class passengers will be able to use wi-fi for free for one hour after which they will have the option to purchase further access.

JAL offers three paid in-flight connectivity packages on its international flights (JAL credit card holders get a discount from the below fees):

  • 1 hour: $10.15
  • 3 hours: $14.40
  • Full flight: $18.80

In addition to expanding its international wi-fi service, JAL will also expand domestic wi-fi service on all JAL and JTA domestic flights, as well as Embraer E190-operated J-Air flights. While currently passengers on those flights can only use in-flight wi-fi for web browsing and messaging, starting from October 2024, they will also be able to (with some restrictions on 787s and A350s) use streaming platforms.

For comparison, ANA started offering free wi-fi on international flights to first class passengers in June 2018 and to business class passengers in August 2024. It also announced plans to offer premium economy and economy class passengers free onboard wi-fi limited to texting starting this fiscal year (by the end of March 2025).

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