How to Use Airport Wi-Fi Safely

Rosslyn Elliott / Updated Sep 30, 2024 | Pub. Aug 02, 2024

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How do you pass the time while you’re waiting to board your flight?

You probably want to check in with the online world using your smartphone or tablet on Wi-Fi. Maybe read a little news, answer a few emails. Browsing with Wi-Fi is our national pastime now, so what can it hurt?

Unfortunately, using airport Wi-Fi can expose you to some real risks. Read on to find out whether you want to use that public Wi-Fi, and how to best protect yourself from cyberthreats.

Is it Ok to Use Airport Wi-Fi?

The short answer is yes, but with caution. Airport Wi-Fi can be a convenient way to stay connected while traveling. But public Wi-Fi networks, including those at airports, are always less secure than your private home or office network.

Convenience vs. Security

While airport Wi-Fi offers easy access to the internet, it also exposes you to potential security risks. Cybercriminals often target these networks because they know travelers are likely to use them for sensitive tasks like online banking or checking work emails.

With the right precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with using airport Wi-Fi.

Risks of Public Wi-Fi

Here are a few types of cyberattacks you may experience on airport Wi-Fi:

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

One of the most common risks on public Wi-Fi is the man-in-the-middle attack [1]. In this scenario, a hacker intercepts the data flowing between your device and the internet, potentially capturing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.

Evil Twin Networks

Cybercriminals sometimes set up fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate ones [2]. If you connect to these “evil twin" networks, the attacker can easily monitor your online activity and steal your data.

man sitting in airport terminal with luggage using Wi-Fi

Airport Wi-Fi carries risks

Malware Distribution

Airport Wi-Fi networks can also be used to spread malware. Hackers might inject malicious code into websites you visit or prompt you to download infected files.

Password Theft

If you’re not careful, someone could potentially steal your passwords when you log into accounts over an unsecured Wi-Fi network.

Is Airport Wi-Fi Safe?

Airport Wi-Fi is not nearly as secure as your home or office network [3]. Airports have made strides in improving their Wi-Fi security, but you will still face risks [4].

Airport Security Measures

Many airports now use encrypted networks and other security measures to protect users. However, these protections aren’t foolproof, and they don’t guard against all types of attacks.

User Responsibility

Ultimately, your online safety depends largely on your own actions. By taking the right precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with using airport Wi-Fi.

How Do I Access Airport Wi-Fi?

Accessing airport Wi-Fi is typically straightforward, but it’s important to do so safely. Here are some steps to follow.

Locate the Official Network

First, make sure you’re connecting to the official airport network. Check with airport staff or look for posted signs to confirm the correct network name.

Avoid Fake Networks

Be wary of networks with names like “Free Airport Wi-Fi" or slight misspellings of the official network name. These could be malicious networks set up by hackers.

fake network showing up on laptop to show risks of airport Wi-Fi

Agree to Terms of Service

Most airport Wi-Fi networks will require you to agree to terms of service before connecting. Some may ask for basic information like your email address.

Use a VPN

For maximum security, consider connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before accessing the airport Wi-Fi [5]. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your data.

Which Airport Has Free Wi-Fi?

The good news is that free Wi-Fi has become standard at most major airports worldwide.

U.S. Airports

Nearly all large U.S. airports offer free Wi-Fi, including busy hubs like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, and Los Angeles International.

International Airports

Many international airports also provide free Wi-Fi, though some may limit free access to a certain time period before charging for continued use.

Quality Varies

While Wi-Fi availability is widespread, the quality and speed of the connection can vary greatly from airport to airport. Ookla reports that in 2024, nine airports had download speeds over 100 Mbps [6].

Is Airport Wi-Fi Good?

The quality of airport Wi-Fi can be hit or miss, depending on various factors, including upload speed, download speed, latency, network congestion, and access limits.

Speed and Reliability

Some airports boast high-speed connections that rival home broadband, while others offer slower, less reliable service. Hartsfield-Jackson International scored especially well with Ookla for a low-latency Wi-Fi connection. Mexico City International had the lowest median download speed at only 5.11 Mbps.

Network Congestion

During peak travel times, airport Wi-Fi can slow to a crawl due to the high number of users. At least 15 airports now use Wi-Fi 6, which means they will handle congestion much better than those airports using Wi-Fi 5.

a woman looks bored waiting for her slow airport Wi-Fi

Some airport Wi-Fi is slow

Time Limits

Some airports may limit the duration of free Wi-Fi access or throttle speeds after a certain period. There are ways to bypass these time limits [7]. But if you want great internet service, it may be worth paying for premium Wi-Fi, if that is an option at your chosen airport.

Paid Options

Many airports offer premium Wi-Fi services for a fee, which often provide faster speeds and more reliable connections. Cheapflights.com has a handy guide to Wi-Fi options at 25 major U.S. airports [8].

10 Tips for Using Airport Wi-Fi Safely

Here are the best practices for using airport Wi-Fi safely:

Use a VPN: This is one of the most effective ways to protect your data on public Wi-Fi [9]. VPNs make it far more difficult for anyone to hack into your connection.
Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts [10].
Avoid accessing sensitive information: If possible, wait until you’re on a secure network before checking bank accounts or making purchases.
Keep your software updated: Ensure your device’s operating system and apps are up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Use HTTPS: Only visit websites that use HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar).
Turn off file sharing: Disable file and printer sharing on your device before connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Use antivirus software: Keep your antivirus program active and up-to-date.
Be cautious of public computers: Avoid using shared computers for sensitive tasks, as they may be infected with keyloggers or other malware.
Forget the network: After you’re done, “forget" the Wi-Fi network on your device to prevent automatic reconnection in the future.
Use your mobile data: If you have a good data plan, using your phone’s mobile hotspot can be more secure than public Wi-Fi.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of airport Wi-Fi while minimizing the risks to your digital security. As always, think before you click!

2FA symbol floats above a keyboard to encourage two-factor authentication