The Guide to Emirates Wi-Fi

Gone are the days when taking off meant disconnecting from everyone you knew. While it’s definitely still possible to turn off your phone, keep your laptop closed and pull out a book, it’s also easier than ever to access the internet while you’re 30,000 feet in the air. This is true with many airlines, including Emirates Airlines.

If your fingers are itching to scroll, don’t worry. We’re here to talk about Emirates Wi-Fi, how it works and what it’ll cost you to connect.

Happy news for those traveling on Emirates — the airline does have Wi-Fi on its flights.

However, you’ll want to note that although Emirates doesn’t specifically call out any aircraft in its fleet that lack Wi-Fi, it does have a disclaimer at the bottom of its Wi-Fi page which notes that varying models of A380 and B777 aircraft have differing levels of Wi-Fi services.

The same is true of flights over certain countries; Wi-Fi use may be limited during these times.

» Learn more: Terrible in-flight Wi-Fi: Can you get a refund?

Emirates offers three types of plans for those looking to access the internet during their flight. Depending on where you’re going and how long the flight will be, prices will vary.

Note that access to the internet for chatting is quite limited. While you’ll be able to use apps that rely on data, such as WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger and Viber, SMS may not work.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Emirates, like other airlines, gives free Wi-Fi to members of its loyalty program, Emirates Skywards. The level of access you’ll receive for free will depend on your elite status level and the cabin that you’re flying.

» Learn more: 6 things to know before flying Emirates first class

Connecting to Wi-Fi inflight on Emirates is simple, but there are two different processes depending on whether you’re looking for complimentary access or are purchasing a plan.

If you’re going to pay for internet access, you’ll just need to connect to the OnAir network after take off. You can then log-in to your Emirates account (if you have one) and select a plan. You’ll be charged and granted immediate access to the Wi-Fi.

If you’re wanting to take advantage of the complimentary internet access that Emirates offers to Skywards members, it’s a little more complicated.

Your loyalty number must be tied to your booking, and this has to be done before you take off. Once in the air, you’ll be able to hop on the Wi-Fi and get internet access by using your Skywards account information to log-in.

» Learn more: Is there Wi-Fi on planes that's actually good? Here's how to know

Sure, free messaging is excellent, but if you’re needing full access to the internet you may have to shell out once you’re on the plane. Fees can build up quickly, especially if you’re paying $20 per flight.

To combat this, you may want to consider acquiring a travel credit card that offers reimbursement for incidental flight costs. There are quite a few, though you’ll always want to double-check your card’s guide to benefits to be sure that inflight Wi-Fi purchases are covered.

Here are some of the most popular cards that offer annual travel credits.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $300 annual travel credit. 

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: $200 annual incidental airline fee credit. 

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: $100 annual incidental airline fee credit.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $200 incidental airline fee credit ($50 per quarter).

• U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card: $325 annual travel credit. 

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $200 annual incidental airline fee credit.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: How credit card annual travel credits work

Unless you're an Emirates loyalist and want to visit the Emirates Business Class lounges in Dubai, a general travel credit card will probably make more sense for your needs.

Hopping online while you’re in the air is simple if you’re flying with Emirates. Inflight Wi-Fi on Emirates is free for all members of the Skywards program, though your level of access is going to depend on your status level and the cabin in which you’re flying.

It’s also possible to purchase unlimited internet on your flights, with charges varying from $9.99 to $19.99 per flight. Finally, travel credit cards can help defray the cost of inflight Wi-Fi purchases, especially if you’re flying frequently.