Cathay Pacific Extends Free Wi-Fi Access to More Passengers

Updated: January 4, 2024, 7:12am CST

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Cathay Pacific Extends Free Wi-Fi Access to More Passengers

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Paying for Wi-Fi when flying Cathay Pacific will become a thing of the past for some lucky passengers in 2024, as reported by Executive Traveller.

The national carrier of Hong Kong will be adding business class passengers and Cathay Pacific Diamond members to the list of passengers who are eligible to enjoy Wi-Fi onboard for free.

Here’s everything we know so far.

Coming Soon: Free Wi-Fi for More Cathay Pacific Passengers

Even though it’s 2024 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.

At the time of writing, Cathay Pacific only offers free internet access to those flying in the airline’s luxurious first class cabins onboard its flagship Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

However, Ronald Lam, CEO at Cathay Pacific, has revealed to Executive Traveller that Wi-Fi access will be free to “Cathay Diamond members and business class passengers by mid-2024.”

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

This is undeniably great news for frequent Cathay Pacific flyers — especially Asia Miles Diamond members who’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi even when flying in economy or premium economy cabins.

However, this perk is exclusive for Cathay Pacific status holders as those with reciprocal Oneworld Emerald status will still have to pay to access the internet unless they’re flying in business or first class.

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 is significantly increasing the number of passengers for 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 the edge when would-be travelers are considering which airline to choose for their next flights.

Featured Image Credit: Cathay Pacific

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About Daniel Ross

Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.

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