Cathay Pacific Extending Free Wi-Fi to Gold Elite Members, Those Flying in Business Class

Updated: October 10, 2025, 6:45am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Free Wi-Fi for More Cathay Pacific Passengers
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Paying for Wi-Fi when flying Cathay Pacific continues to become a relic of the past for even more passengers, as the airline made it complimentary for business-class passengers and top-tier Diamond elite members in September 2024.

In the latest update, the national carrier of Hong Kong will extend free Wi-Fi privileges to now include those with Gold status, the second-highest tier with the airline.

Here’s what travelers need to know about this increased benefit.

Free Wi-Fi for More Cathay Pacific Passengers

Even though it’s 2025 and the internet is something of a necessity for business and leisure travelers alike, some airlines are still charging passengers who want to roam onboard — even those flying in premium cabins.

Since 2022, Cathay Pacific has offered free internet access to those flying in the airline’s luxurious first-class cabins onboard its flagship Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Then, in 2024, the airline announced plans to extend that perk to business class and Diamond elite members.

That perk went live in September 2024. The free Wi-Fi benefit provides access to the same experience as those paying for internet access, letting you check emails, browse the internet, use social media, and more.

As of November 15, 2025, the free Wi-Fi circle will widen to those with Cathay’s Gold status.

Cathay Pacific business class cabin on the Airbus A35K — Business class passengers flying Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350s will soon get access to free inflight Wi-Fi. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Cathay Diamond members can enjoy free Wi-Fi, even when flying in economy. Those with Gold status, however, need to fly in premium economy to take advantage.

However, this perk is exclusive for Cathay Pacific status holders. Those with reciprocal Oneworld Emerald status will still have to pay to access the internet unless they’re flying in business or first class. Cathay Pacific offers inflight Wi-Fi across 100% of its flight, and the latest press release hints that complimentary Wi-Fi may extend to all customers in premium economy cabins in the near future.

Hot Tip:

Be in the know before you fly and check out our complete guide to airline Wi-Fi, including which airlines let their passengers roam for free and which charge through the nose for inflight connectivity.

Those without free access to Cathay’s Wi-Fi can expect to pay up to around $20 to be connected for a full long-haul flight, $13 for a flight of less than 6 hours, and $10 for a single hour.

Cathay Pacific WiFi Prices — Wi-Fi prices on a short Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Taipei. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

There are also $4 messaging packages available on shorter flights.

Final Thoughts

Cathay Pacific continues to increase the number of passengers to whom it offers free Wi-Fi. Given the importance of internet connectivity in everyday life, Cathay’s new free Wi-Fi offering could give the airline an edge when would-be travelers decide which airline to fly on an upcoming trip.

Those flying in first or business class have complimentary access, as do those with Diamond status even when flying in economy. As of November 15, 2025, those with Gold status will also enjoy this perk when flying in premium economy.