Free WiFi access and costs at UK airports … how much to stay connected while you wait to fly

All you need to know about free and paid Wi-Fi access at the airport you’re flying from. We reveal the best, and not so great, offerings from the UK’s major airports in 2025, updated with the latest data and a dash of humour. Staying connected while you wait to fly has never been easier (mostly)! From keeping the kids occupied to squeezing in last-minute work emails, airport Wi-Fi is an essential service to keep your trip on track. Follow this guide to make the most of what’s offered at your airport… and maybe save a few quid in the process.

Wi-Fi Costs and Free Time at UK Airports (2025)

We’ve compiled a list of all major UK airports and how much free Wi-Fi is available at each. You’ll also find out how much it’ll cost you to buy extra time or faster service if needed. Spoiler alert: Many airports now offer unlimited free Wi-Fi, but a few still put a timer on your cat-video browsing.

At-a-Glance Wi-Fi Table, Free Periods & Costs

Airport	Free Wi-Fi Period	Additional Costs (After Free)
Aberdeen	1 hour free	£2 per day for premium speed
Belfast City (BHD)	Unlimited free	N/A (no paid plan, it’s all free!)
Belfast Int’l (BFS)	2 hours free	Paid access available after 2h (hourly/day passes)
Birmingham	Unlimited free (requires re-login every 30 min)	N/A (just reconnect)
Bournemouth	1 hour free	£5.00 per hour; £10 per day
Bristol	2 hours free	~£5 for +3 hours (paid packages available)
Cardiff	2 hours free	Paid Wi-Fi available after 2h (£3/hour historically)
East Midlands	2 hours free	£2 for 24h premium (5× faster)
Edinburgh	2 hours free (per day)	N/A, simply reconnect for another free session
Exeter	1 hour free	£3 per hour or £5 for 3 hours
Gatwick	Unlimited free	N/A (up to 50 Mbps free service)
Glasgow	1 hour free	£2 per day for higher speed
Heathrow	Unlimited free	N/A (totally free for entire stay)
Leeds Bradford	Unlimited free	N/A (no charges at all)
Liverpool	4 hours free	£5 premium (faster, after 4h)
London City (LCY)	Unlimited free	N/A (free all the way)
Luton	Unlimited free	N/A (no time limit)
Manchester	2 hours free	£2 for 24h premium (fast stream)
Newcastle	Unlimited free (standard speed)	£5 for premium (faster streaming)
Prestwick	2 hours free	£3 for +1 hour
Southampton	1 hour free	£2 per day premium (faster)
Southend	Unlimited free	N/A (no additional cost)
Stansted	4 hours free	£9 per day (or long-term plans)
Teesside Int’l (MME)	Unlimited free	N/A (free throughout terminal)

Table Notes: Unlimited means the airport provides free Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay (no time cap). “Premium” refers to paid high-speed plans that some airports offer for streaming/gaming. Where a free period is given in hours, you can usually pay for more time or simply reconnect with a new session (where indicated). Costs are in GBP and based on 2025 info, they’re subject to change faster than you can say “Wi-Fi”!

At-a-Glance Guide: Free vs Paid Wi-Fi at UK Airports (Infographic)

Passengers can quickly see how much free Wi-Fi access each airport offers, and what it costs to stay online beyond that. The pie chart below shows the proportion of major UK airports that now provide unlimited free Wi-Fi versus those that impose time limits and charges:

Proportion of major UK airports offering unlimited free Wi-Fi in 2025.

As illustrated, many airports (green slice) now offer unlimited free Wi-Fi, a big improvement from a decade ago, while others (red slice) still limit your free browsing time. Scroll down for detailed connection instructions by airport, and tips on how to get connected quickly.
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How to Get Online at Your Airport

Below, find detailed Wi-Fi info and login instructions for your departure airport. From network names (SSIDs) to quirky signup processes, we’ve got you covered. Choose your airport from the list and learn exactly how to log on (so you can get to the important business of posting your airport selfie).

Choose your airport here: Jump directly to Wi-Fi details for: Aberdeen, Belfast Int’l, Belfast City, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Prestwick, Southampton, Southend, Stansted, Teesside.

Aberdeen Airport

How much is free? Free Wi-Fi for 1 hour is offered at Aberdeen (provided by Purple WiFi). After an hour, you can still connect but will need to purchase a premium pass for full speed. (Aberdeen used to boast unlimited free access, but now it’s 1 hour free at standard speed.)

Cost for more: High-speed unlimited access costs just £2 for the whole day, a bargain if you have a long layover or need to stream something in HD. Casual users can likely make do with the free hour by checking emails or reading the news.

Network name: When scanning for networks, select “Aberdeen_Airport_WiFi”.

How to connect:

1. Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your device, then choose Aberdeen_Airport_WiFi from the network list.
2. Open your browser, and you should see an airport Wi-Fi welcome page. Select the “Required Duration” (e.g. 1 hour free).
3. First-time users will be prompted to register (a one-time form, name, email, etc.). After registration, your device is recognised automatically on future visits.
4. If you opt for the free 1-hour, just proceed, and you’ll be online. If you need more and don’t mind the fee, choose the Premium £2 option for 24-hour access (at 10 Mbps speed, suitable for streaming).
5. After an hour of free usage, the connection will slow or prompt you to purchase more time. Either pay for a premium or reconnect (but note that the free period won’t reset immediately on the same device).

Keep in mind: The free service is speed-limited (fine for basic browsing). The paid service removes the shackles and lets you binge-watch YouTube or download that Netflix movie before you fly. If you experience any issues, Aberdeen Airport’s Wi-Fi is managed by Purple WiFi, their login portal will guide you, or you can ask airport staff for help.

Belfast International Airport

How much is free? Belfast International (sometimes just “Belfast International” or BFS) offers 2 hours of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. This should cover most short waits or a generous Instagram scroll through your feed.

Cost for more: After 2 hours, the free session will expire. If you’re still waiting (perhaps your flight’s delayed after you’ve already posted “#ReadyToFly”), you can purchase additional time. Paid plans are available, though the airport doesn’t loudly advertise the prices online. (Typically, it’s a few pounds for a couple more hours or a day pass.) To be safe, assume you might pay on the order of £3-5 for a few extra hours. The Wi-Fi provider will prompt you with options once your free time is up.

Network name: Look for “BFS Free WiFi” or a similarly named network on your device. (“BFS” is the airport code for Belfast International, no, it doesn’t stand for Best Free Surf, but it might as well!)

How to connect:

1. Select BFS Free WiFi from your Wi-Fi settings.
2. A browser page should pop up (if not, open a web page), agree to the terms or enter an email if requested. Belfast Int’l usually just requires a simple sign-in (no tricky forms).
3. Enjoy your 120 minutes of free connectivity. You can browse, email, video chat, the usual. Speeds are generally decent for ordinary use.
4. Need more time? The portal will let you know your free allocation is used up. Follow the on-screen instructions to purchase more Wi-Fi if needed, typically by entering payment details for a premium pass.
5. Alternatively, disconnect and reconnect with another device (if you have one) to grab another free block, shh, you didn’t hear that from us!

Tech tip: Two hours free is pretty generous. If you have a layover longer than that, consider splitting your online time or use that gap to explore the shops or grab a snack. The Wi-Fi will be waiting for you when you reconnect. (And as always, be security-savvy: the network is open to all passengers, so avoid doing bank transfers on public Wi-Fi unless you’re using a VPN.)

Belfast City Airport (George Best)

How much is free? Good news, Belfast City (BHD) provides unlimited free Wi-Fi for all passengers. That’s right, no cut-offs or timers. This makes sense, as the airport is smaller and named after George Best; they want you to have the best experience, including internet access.

Cost for more: N/A! Since the Wi-Fi is unlimited and free, there’s no additional cost at all. Feel free to video-call your friends, stream music, or get some work done without worrying about a paywall.

Network name: Join “BelfastCity_FreeWiFi” or similar (the official info simply says free Wi-Fi is offered airport-wide; typically, the network shows up with “Belfast City” in the name). According to the airport’s FAQ, just connect to the open Wi-Fi and you’re good to go.

How to connect:

1. Select the Belfast City free Wi-Fi network from your device’s Wi-Fi list. (It may be named “Free Airport Wi-Fi” or “BHD Free Wi-Fi”, if in doubt, ask airport staff or look for signage, but most report it’s straightforward.)
2. Once connected, launch your web browser. You may get a welcome screen or just a note that you’re online. In many cases, it might not even require entering details, truly plug and play.
3. That’s it. No time limits to juggle. Enjoy unlimited browsing. The airport prides itself on this hassle-free service, so no vouchers or payments are needed.
4. If you encounter any login page, just follow the prompts (e.g. “Click to Connect”). It should be one click and done.

With unlimited free Wi-Fi, Belfast City Airport is among the elite few UK airports offering continuous free connectivity. This is great for business travellers who often use this convenient downtown airport, as you can work right up until boarding. It’s also handy for streaming a show if your flight’s delayed (just keep an eye on the gate!).

Birmingham Airport

How much is free? Birmingham Airport gives you free Wi-Fi for as long as you need, with a small caveat: you must re-authenticate every 30 minutes. In practice, the Wi-Fi is unlimited, but the session will time out every half-hour. Simply log back in (with the same details) and you’re back online. It’s a little like getting free refills but having to ask each time. Don’t worry, your device will usually prompt you to “Continue free session” after 30 min, making it pretty painless.

Cost for more: None, no payment required to keep using it. There is no premium paid tier advertised; the airport’s free service covers you completely (the 30-minute resets are the only “cost”, a minor inconvenience). So effectively, it’s unlimited free Wi-Fi in half-hour slices.

Network name: Connect to “BHX Free WiFi” (the network at Birmingham Airport is often just identified as the airport Wi-Fi). Sometimes it may appear as “_Birmingham Airport WiFi” or similar. The official hacks guide says just select the airport Wi-Fi network and you’re good to go.

How to connect:

1. Choose the “Birmingham Airport Free WiFi” network from your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. Open a web browser; you should see a login portal. Enter your details (usually just name/email) if prompted. The first time you use it, you’ll register once; after that, it often remembers you.
3. You’ll get connected and can use the internet freely. After 30 minutes, the session will end. Simply repeat the login (often it’s as easy as clicking “Reconnect” on the portal page).
4. The airport even mentions that once you log in, your details are saved for future visits. So if you fly from BHX often, your device may reconnect automatically or with one click.
5. Keep rejoining every 30 minutes if you have a long wait; there’s no charge or hard limit on the number of sessions. It’s like hitting the “snooze” button on free Wi-Fi.

Birmingham was one of the early airports to offer completely free Wi-Fi, and they continue to do so. The half-hour reset is a small price (well, no price at all) to pay. Speeds are decent for browsing and email. If streaming, you might notice the 30-minute interruption; just plan to refresh your stream accordingly. Pro tip: download large files in segments or use the break as an opportunity to stretch your legs!

Bournemouth Airport

How much is free? Passengers at Bournemouth Airport receive 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi access. That’s a solid hour to check emails, catch up on news, or entertain yourself before a short-haul flight. Given Bournemouth’s manageable size, an hour will suffice for many travellers from security to boarding.

Cost for more: Once your one hour is up, you’ll need to pay to stay connected. The charges are: £5.00 per hour, £10.00 per day, or £30.00 per month (for true Wi-Fi addicts). Most likely, casual travellers will opt for the £5 per additional hour if needed. There’s also a monthly option clearly aimed at frequent fliers or airport staff, but probably overkill for most trips.

Network name: The Wi-Fi network at Bournemouth is aptly named “BOH Public WiFi” (BOH is the airport code for Bournemouth). This should be the network you select on your device.

How to connect:

1. In your Wi-Fi settings, select “BOH Public Wifi” from the list of available networks.
2. A login page will appear. Typically, you’ll: enter your email or details to register (if first time) and accept terms.
3. Once connected, the clock starts on your 60 minutes free. Use it wisely, maybe avoid auto-playing HD videos unless necessary.
4. If you reach the 60-minute limit and still need Wi-Fi, the portal will redirect you to a payment page. There you can purchase extra time: choose 1 hour (£5) or a 24-hour pass (£10), etc.. Complete the payment (card details, etc.) and you’ll be back online.
5. If you’re a frequent flyer through BOH, note the £30/month option, but for most, the day pass is the best value if one hour free wasn’t enough.

During your session, you might also see an option to upgrade to premium service. However, at Bournemouth, it’s basically time-based charges rather than speed tiers. The free Wi-Fi should be adequate for general use. If you have any trouble connecting, ensure you’ve selected “BOH Public Wifi” (it’s an open network). The login form might ask for a few personal details, but this is standard. After that, enjoy your hour online!

Bristol Airport

How much is free? Users at Bristol Airport now get 2 hours of free Wi-Fi access per day. That’s double what it was years ago, reflecting Bristol’s effort to keep travellers connected. Two hours free should cover most waits, and rumour has it you can often reconnect for another free stint by using a different email or after a reset, though officially it’s 2 hours per device per day.

Cost for more: After your 2 hours are up, you’ll be prompted to pay for additional Wi-Fi. The common offering is £5 for a further 3 hours of access (essentially a 3-hour block for a fiver). In some cases, they might offer shorter or longer packages, but £5 for 3 hours was the rate noted by airport customer service. There isn’t an unlimited day pass widely advertised beyond that, so if you need all-day internet, you might end up buying two blocks (~£10 total) or using the airport lounge (which has free Wi-Fi and snacks).

Network name: The network to look for is “Bristol Airport WiFi” (SSID often shown as “BRS Free WiFi” or “_Bristol Airport WiFi”). It’s a standard captive portal system. Connect to that network to begin.

How to connect:

1. Select “Bristol Airport WiFi” on your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. A browser window should pop up directing you to the Wi-Fi welcome page. Follow the on-screen instructions: usually, you just log in or register with an email address and accept the terms.
3. Once done, you have 120 minutes of free internet. Feel free to browse, post, or even stream short videos (the connection is decent).
4. There’s no trick at two hours, the connection will stop. At that point, if you try to browse, you’ll be redirected to a payment page. There you can purchase an extended access package (e.g. 3 more hours for £5). If you choose to buy, enter your payment info and continue browsing.
5. If you don’t want to pay, you can disconnect and possibly reconnect after a waiting period or on another device to get another free block (not officially endorsed, but some travellers mention that after your “per day” allocation, you might get a new free session the next calendar day or by using a new email).

According to Bristol’s info, after your free time is used, “the provider would then reveal how much to buy more, not ideal,” one could say. So keep track of your minutes. Two hours is quite generous, enough to stream a movie if you must (though that might eat the time quickly). If you’re travelling with a companion, each of you gets 2 hours on your own device. You could hotspot one phone to another if desperate to extend a single device’s time. Bristol’s Wi-Fi is provided by a third-party, and it’s generally reliable. Enjoy the free period, and decide if a few quid is worth extending, maybe after 2 hours you deserve a break from screens anyway to plane-spot or grab a cider (when in Bristol…)!

Cardiff Airport

How much is free? Cardiff Airport provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal for up to 2 hours per device. Originally, Cardiff only offered 30 minutes free, but they’ve upped their game; now you get a solid two hours at no charge. This is plenty for the majority of flights, as Cardiff isn’t typically a place where you have super long layovers (unless rugby traffic has you arriving very early!).

Cost for more: If you need more than 2 hours, you will be charged a fee thereafter. The airport’s older info mentioned £3 per hour beyond the free period. While it may have been updated, it’s safe to assume on-site rates around £3-5 per additional hour of Wi-Fi. The exact payment options will appear on the Wi-Fi portal when your free time runs out. Frequent travellers or those who need a lot of data might be better off using a mobile data plan after 2h, but casual users can decide if £3 is worth another hour online.

Network name: The network is typically “_AIRPORT WIFI” at Cardiff. Yes, that underscore is part of the name. (It’s the same SSID they’ve used for a while.) It should be obvious in the list, likely the only network named “Airport WiFi” in Cardiff’s terminal.

How to connect:

1. Select “_AIRPORT WIFI” on your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. Open your web browser. You’ll see a Cardiff Airport Wi-Fi login page. According to the airport’s guidance, enter your email or details and follow the on-screen instructions to claim your free session. (Often it’s just one click after providing an email, no complex forms.)
3. Once connected, you have 2 hours of free internet. The countdown starts from the first use, so if you disconnect and reconnect, it remembers your device’s used.
4. If you hit 2 hours and still need Wi-Fi, the portal will prompt you to purchase additional time. Follow the prompts to enter payment info and select how much time you want. For example, choose 1 hour (£3) or perhaps a day pass if offered.
5. After payment, you’ll resume connectivity on a “premium” basis for the duration you bought. If you’d rather not pay, that’s the end of the free ride on that device for the day. You could switch devices if available (say, hop to a laptop or phone #2) to get another free block, an unofficial workaround some use.

Cardiff’s 2-hour free service should be enough for most travellers to check social media or even have a quick video call. The speeds are generally okay, though perhaps not the fastest in the UK (Cardiff was never famed for blazing Wi-Fi in surveys). Still, it’s infinitely better than nothing, and the price for more time is fairly reasonable if you truly need it. Do keep an eye on your boarding time; 2 hours can fly by when you’re engrossed in YouTube or the Six Nations highlights!

East Midlands Airport

How much is free? East Midlands Airport (EMA) offers 2 hours of free Wi-Fi per day. This is double what they provided in the distant past (they went from a paltry 30 minutes to 60, and now to 120 minutes, progress!). Two hours free should suffice for most waits at this regional hub.

Cost for more: EMA has a sweet deal for those needing extra or faster service: for £2, you can get a Premium Wi-Fi session that lasts 24 hours. The premium tier not only removes time limits but also bumps you to five times faster speeds. In essence, £2 buys you unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi all day (and you can connect two devices on that, according to their info). If you don’t buy the premium, once your 2 free hours are up, you’d have to either forgo Wi-Fi or perhaps use mobile data; there’s no pay-as-you-go hourly beyond the premium offering. So, £2 for the rest of the day is quite reasonable if you still have time to kill.

Network name: Connect to “_FreeWifi” on your device. This is the standard free network name across Manchester Airports Group (MAG) airports (Manchester, Stansted, East Midlands all use “_FreeWifi”). For premium, there might be a separate SSID like “_PremiumWiFi” or you select premium on the portal after connecting to _FreeWifi. The basic step is to join _FreeWifi first.

How to connect:

1. Select “_FreeWifi” from the Wi-Fi networks list on your device.
2. Your browser will redirect to the EMA Wi-Fi splash page. It will mention the free service (2 hours) and the premium option. Register or log in (first time requires entering your name/email).
3. Choose the Free Wi-Fi to start your 2-hour complimentary access. You’re online! Browse away, normal usage like emailing, browsing, and social media will work fine on the free tier.
4. If you want a higher speed or your 2 hours are up, you can upgrade to Premium. Either at the start or after a time-out, select the premium Wi-Fi option (£2). This will take you to a payment page (card payment). After paying, you’ll likely switch to the premium network (if separate) or your session will be marked premium (faster speeds enabled).
5. The premium pass lasts 24 hours and lets you connect up to two devices. Great if you have, say, a laptop and a phone to keep online.

East Midlands’ Wi-Fi is provided by the same team as Manchester’s, so expect a similar user experience. The free 2h is generous enough for average use, and the £2 upgrade is among the cheapest airport Wi-Fi deals in the country. Even if you just want to stream a movie without buffering, two quid won’t break the bank. Plus, MAG airports often remember your registration, so if you fly out again next week, your device might auto-connect (to free up at least). All in all, EMA’s Wi-Fi will keep you connected whether you’re hopping on a low-cost flight or coming back from holiday, just don’t spend all two hours complaining on Twitter about the latest football scores (unless that’s therapeutic!).

Edinburgh Airport

How much is free? The friendly folks at Edinburgh Airport offer two hours of free Wi-Fi access per day per device. That wording is key: you get 2 free hours, and theoretically, if you have multiple devices, each gets its own 2 hours. Officially, after 2 hours on one device, the free service will stop for that device for the day. Unofficially, many travellers report that you can simply reconnect for another session, but Edinburgh’s policy is 2 hours free. (Back in the day, it was unlimited free, but with a device registration required; they standardised to 2 hours to be in line with many airports.)

Cost for more: Here’s an interesting bit. There is no system to buy more time on the public Wi-Fi at EDI. According to Edinburgh’s customer service (as of the last update), if you want more than 2 hours, you could disconnect and reconnect after your time resets (some said you could just start a new 2-hour session by re-registering). In other words, they don’t actively sell paid Wi-Fi passes to casual users; they’d rather you just reconnect or maybe use an airport lounge for unlimited access. In practice, your best bet after 2 hours is: toggle your device’s Wi-Fi off and on, maybe use a second email to log back in, and you might get another free block. Or simply wait a bit and try again. EDI seemingly decided not to nickel-and-dime passengers for extra Wi-Fi, refreshing, isn’t it?

Network name: Select “Edinburgh Airport” network (often displayed as “Edinburgh Airport WiFi” or “_EdiFreeWiFi”, previously it was “_Edinburgh Airport” network). There may be a single network that covers both free usage and any premium (though, as noted, premium purchase isn’t really pushed). The important part is you’ll see “Edinburgh Airport” in the SSID name.

How to connect:

1. Choose the Edinburgh Airport Wi-Fi network on your device.
2. Launch your web browser, and you’ll get the airport Wi-Fi login page. You need to register (first time) by entering your name and a valid email address. (They might email you a confirmation or just use it for marketing; either way, provide an email you can access.)
3. Once registered, follow the prompts and connect. You now have 2 hours of free internet. Feel free to surf, stream, or work.
4. As your 2-hour mark approaches, you might get a warning, or it may just cut off. At that point, try simply disconnecting and reconnecting to the same network. Often, the system will allow a new session (especially if using a different email for the captive portal). Edinburgh Airport hinted that you “should be able to simply disconnect then log in for a new two-hour stint”, a cheeky workaround they seem aware of.
5. If, for some reason, you cannot get another free session and you desperately need connectivity, consider hopping into one of the airport lounges (if you have access) where Wi-Fi is unlimited, or using your phone’s mobile data as a hotspot for the remainder of your wait.

Edinburgh Airport’s Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable; it’s a tech-savvy airport. Two hours covers a lot: maybe upload all those festival photos or download some podcasts for the flight. And given that they don’t actively sell paid Wi-Fi, they seem content with people reconnecting. Just be mindful that after a very long continuous use, you might have to do the quick reconnect dance. It’s a small inconvenience for essentially free unlimited usage (in 2-hour increments). As Scots might say, “it’s a braw deal!”

Exeter Airport

How much is free? Exeter Airport gives you 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi access. They doubled it from the old 30 minutes, which is great; an hour should cover most needs at this smaller regional airport. (Exeter’s terminal isn’t huge, so many passengers won’t be waiting much longer than an hour after clearing security.)

Cost for more: If you need more than an hour online, Exeter’s Wi-Fi (powered by Arqiva/Virgin) is chargeable at £3 per hour beyond the free period. They also offer a bulk deal: £5 for a further 3 hours of connection. So, if you know you’ll want internet for several hours (perhaps a delay or you’re really engrossed in a Netflix series), the £5/3h package is better value than paying £3 each hour. There’s no mention of a day pass, so 3 hours seems to be the max single purchase, which is plenty given Exeter’s flight schedule.

Network name: When searching for Wi-Fi, look out for an Arqiva network covering Exeter Airport. In practice, the network might be named “Exeter Airport WiFi” or could show as a service of Virgin/Arqiva. According to one guide, “Look out for an Arqiva network” at Exeter, connecting to that will initiate the process.

How to connect:

1. Select Exeter’s airport Wi-Fi network on your device. (It might be open, or it might say “_ExeterAirportWiFi” or just direct you to a “Virgin WiFi” portal.)
2. Open your web browser, and it should redirect to a login screen. There, follow the on-screen instructions. Typically, you’d either be asked to enter your email or launch your browser to be taken to a signup page.
3. For free access, just go through the steps (agree to terms, etc.). You’ll get connected, and the 60-minute timer begins.
4. If your hour is nearly up or has expired, you will be presented with options to purchase more time. Choose either 1 additional hour (£3) or the 3-hour bundle (£5), and provide payment details. Once done, you’ll continue with uninterrupted access for that purchased duration.
5. If you decide not to pay after the hour, your session will end. You could try reconnecting to see if it grants a bit more free time (not guaranteed, likely it won’t without payment). Otherwise, consider it an internet detox moment or use mobile data if critical.

Exeter’s Wi-Fi network is managed by the same company that handles many UK airports’ Wi-Fi, so the experience will be similar: straightforward and with a captive portal. The free hour is a welcome perk for a small airport that covers the basics like checking the weather at your destination or downloading your boarding pass if you forgot (we’ve all been there). If watching the clock isn’t your thing, the fees are fairly nominal. Just don’t forget to actually board your flight if you get too comfy online, it’s easy to lose track of time in a YouTube rabbit hole when you only intended to kill 15 minutes!

Gatwick Airport

How much is free? Gatwick Airport now provides unlimited free Wi-Fi for all passengers. This is a fantastic improvement; it used to be 45 minutes (then 90 minutes) in the past, but as of recent years, it’s free with no time limit. Even better, the free service is pretty fast: up to 50 Mbps speeds are advertised. Essentially, you can stay connected the entire time you’re at Gatwick, from bag drop until you board, without paying a penny.

Cost for more: N/A, no additional cost for the standard Wi-Fi. There is no paid tier required for unlimited use. However, Gatwick does have a premium service in partnership with Boingo (called “Boingo Unlimited”) that was historically £9.99 per month if you wanted a subscription to use at many airports. But for one-off travellers, the free Wi-Fi is sufficient and unlimited. In short, no time limits, no charges at Gatwick now, a huge win for travellers. (If you see references to buying a “Boingo UK” pass for £9.95, that was an old system; since Gatwick’s Wi-Fi is now free and unlimited via the Gatwick Free Wi-Fi network, that’s no longer necessary.)

Network name: When at Gatwick, connect to “Free Gatwick Wi-Fi, Vinci Airports”. The network SSID was updated after Gatwick became part of Vinci Airports’ network. So on your device, look for “Free Gatwick Wi-Fi (Vinci)”. (Some signage might still say “_Gatwick Free Wi-Fi”. In practice, just look for “Gatwick Free” in the Wi-Fi names.)

How to connect:

1. Select “Free Gatwick Wi-Fi, Vinci Airports” from the Wi-Fi list on your device.
2. A browser page will open. Click “Get online now” or a similar button. Gatwick uses a portal where you often log in via your myGatwick account (the airport’s free account for perks) or simply with your email. If you have a myGatwick account, you can log in for faster connection. If not, it might ask for a quick registration.
3. Follow the prompts: typically, enter your email or login to myGatwick, then hit “Connect”. (In the past, they had a somewhat quirky method: 45-minute sessions that you had to renew by repeating steps, but no longer; now it’s straightforward unlimited usage after one login.)
4. You should now be online. The portal will indicate you’re connected with unlimited access. You won’t need to re-log in during this visit. You can enjoy speeds often fast enough for streaming video or making video calls.
5. If you encounter any trouble, Gatwick’s Wi-Fi is powered by Boingo. You can try to go to a website like http://gatwickwifi.com to trigger the login page if it doesn’t automatically pop up. Also, if you roam between North and South Terminals, you may remain connected without issue as it’s a unified network.

Here’s a step-by-step summary Gatwick provided for the old 90-minute system (for nostalgia): “Navigate to wireless networks > click ‘Get Online Now’ > select ‘Gatwick Free Wi-Fi’ > log into myGatwick account > click pink ‘Get Online’ button for 45 min free… then repeat for another 45 min”. Thankfully, you no longer have to jump through those hoops; it’s just one and done now. If you have a myGatwick account, use it (you might avoid entering details each time). If not, it’s still only a brief form the first time.

No time limits + fast speed = happy travellers. You can confidently stream music, upload your Gatwick Express selfies, or even get some work done on a VPN without worrying about the clock. Do be mindful of security (as with any public Wi-Fi). Gatwick’s free network is open to all, so it’s wise not to conduct ultra-sensitive transactions unless on a secure connection. But for everything else, browse away. And maybe send Gatwick a thank-you tweet on their awesome Wi-Fi… you certainly have the bandwidth for it!

Glasgow Airport

How much is free? Glasgow Airport offers 1 hour of free Wi-Fi access to all travellers. After one hour, the complimentary period ends. Glasgow had, at one time, a one-hour free policy, which remains in place as of 2025. While not unlimited, it’s enough to catch up on emails or entertain yourself for a bit. If you have multiple devices, each can get an hour (since the login is device-specific).

Cost for more: If 1 hour isn’t enough, Glasgow has a very affordable premium option: £2.00 for a 1-day (24h) premium access. That premium service not only gives you more time, but also at a higher speed (10 Mb/s) suitable for downloading and streaming. Essentially, £2 upgrades you to fast internet for the rest of the day. Additionally, there used to be longer-term plans (e.g. £5 for 3 days, £9 for a month, etc., often used by frequent travellers or airport staff. The primary offer shown to passengers is the £2 one-day pass once your free hour is up. If you don’t purchase, you’ll be offline after 60 minutes of use on that device.

Network name: The Wi-Fi network at Glasgow Airport is “Glasgow_Airport_WiFi”. This is in partnership with the Purple WiFi/North system (same as Aberdeen and Southampton since all three airports are under AGS Airports). When prompted to choose a network, select Glasgow_Airport_WiFi.

How to connect:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi and pick “Glasgow_Airport_WiFi” from the available networks on your device.
2. A browser page should pop up, titled “Glasgow Airport Wi-Fi”. Follow the steps: usually, it asks you to register an account (enter name, email, maybe a password, it’s a one-time signup) or log in if you’ve used their Wi-Fi before.
3. Select the option for Free Wi-Fi (1 hour) when presented. After agreeing to the terms, you will be online, and the 60-minute free session begins.
4. If you are a first-time user, check your email; Glasgow’s system may send a validation email as part of registration. You likely need to click a link in that email to activate your internet access. Be sure to do that quickly (you might use mobile data briefly to get the email, or hopefully the Wi-Fi allows that email to come through). This validation only happens the first time.
5. Once connected, enjoy your free hour. If you’re near the end and still need internet, you can upgrade to Premium via the same portal. Choose “_NCLPremiumWiFi” network or just select the premium option on the portal (Glasgow’s instructions for AGS airports mention connecting to “_NCLPremiumWiFi” for paid service, NCL is Newcastle’s code, which is odd, but likely the same system reused). In any case, clicking “Upgrade” will guide you to enter payment (credit card/PayPal) for the £2 premium day access. After purchase, you’ll get high-speed internet for 24 hours, and the hour limit is lifted.
6. If you choose not to pay, the session will end after 60 minutes. At that point, you can’t get more free time on the same device. You could swap to another device for another hour if you have one (for example, switch from your phone to your laptop). But otherwise, you’ll be offline or need to pay the small fee.

Glasgow’s approach aligns with its sister airports in the AGS group. £2 for unlimited day access is actually a great deal (some coffee shops charge more for a latte!). If your layover is long or you’re doing heavy internet tasks, it’s worth it. If you just needed to check a few things, that free hour might be plenty. The free hour is at a “limited speed”, fine for browsing and emails, maybe a bit slow for HD video calls. The paid tier bumps you to a decent 10Mb/s, which can handle streaming and large downloads comfortably.

So, whether you’re bidding “Haste ye back” on social media or streaming some bagpipe music (no judgment), Glasgow Airport’s Wi-Fi has you covered for at least an hour free, and very affordably beyond that. Remember to keep an eye on your time if you’re in a deep Wikipedia dive about haggis, that hour can fly by faster than a Glaswegian saying “cheers”!

Heathrow Airport

How much is free? Wi-Fi at Heathrow Airport is free and unlimited for the duration of your stay. That means from the moment you connect until you board your plane (or leave the airport), you have continuous free internet. Heathrow was one of the earlier large hubs to go unlimited, and they continue to offer a robust service. There’s no hourly cap, you won’t be kicked off after 4 hours or anything. Feel free to stream, browse, and work to your heart’s content. (They do ask you to re-register each day if you’re there multiple days, but for virtually all travellers, it’s unlimited for that travel day.)

Cost for more: None, no charges apply for standard Wi-Fi access. There used to be premium tiers (Heathrow Premium Wi-Fi with higher speed for a fee, and free for certain frequent flyers). As of 2025, the regular free Wi-Fi is so good that most people don’t need to consider paying. If you have certain memberships (like Heathrow Rewards or frequent flyer status), you might get an even faster service for free. But for the average traveller, the free Wi-Fi is both unlimited and fairly fast already. So, unless you require ultra-high speeds (e.g. for large file VPN work), you won’t have any costs. Heathrow’s customer care line is available if you need help connecting, but payment is not a concern.

Network name: The Wi-Fi network is “_Heathrow Wi-Fi” (note the underscore). This SSID is broadcast in all terminals (Terminal 2, 3, 4, 5; Terminal 1 is closed). It’s the official network operated by Heathrow itself, so stick with that name to avoid any sketchy rogue networks.

How to connect:

1. Select “_Heathrow Wi-Fi” on your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
2. Your browser should automatically open to the Heathrow Wi-Fi login page. If not, open any website and you’ll be redirected.
3. Register or log in: First-time users will be asked to register with some basic info (name, email). If you’ve connected before, the system might remember your device and just ask you to accept the terms. In some cases, you can also log in via social media or a Heathrow account. Follow the on-screen prompts; it’s straightforward.
4. After signing in/accepting terms, you’re connected. You’ll have internet access for free, with no set time limit. Enjoy browsing across all terminals and lounges. If you move between terminals during a connection (like on a connection flight), you may need to reconnect in the new terminal, but it’s the same process.
5. If you have any trouble, Heathrow provides a Customer Care Wi-Fi helpline (0808 189 1365), but hopefully it won’t come to that. Usually, the most “difficult” part is perhaps a short wait for the registration SMS or email (in some cases, they sent a code via SMS to verify, which can happen if you register a phone number).

Heathrow’s free Wi-Fi is known to be fast and reliable (it’s been measured among the better European airports for speed). You can comfortably video-call, stream Netflix, or download big files while waiting. And because it’s unlimited, Heathrow is a great place to get work done or keep kids’ tablets connected for entertainment.

One more cool thing: if you’re a frequent traveller and join the Heathrow Rewards program (free), or you have certain airline statuses, you might get access to an even faster “Heathrow Premium Wi-Fi”, but even the normal free service is pretty fast. The network will also remember your device for future visits (for a certain period), meaning next time you might connect automatically.

In summary, Heathrow’s Wi-Fi is free, fast, and unlimited, no strings attached. It’s one less thing to stress about in the world’s second busiest airport. So go ahead, binge that series or have a long Skype with family, Heathrow’s got you online for free from take off to landing.

Leeds Bradford Airport

How much is free? Leeds Bradford Airport kindly provides travellers with unlimited free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. Yes, you read that right, unlimited. There’s no hour cap or need to watch the clock. LBA was one of the early smaller airports to do this, and as of 2025, it continues to offer a fully free service. This means you can connect and stay online as long as you like (well, until your flight is called!).

Cost for more: None, since it’s unlimited, there’s no fee for extended use. There’s also no “premium paid tier” for general passengers. (The only thing resembling an upgrade would be the Wi-Fi in the premium lounges, but that’s also free if you’re in the lounge.) So, no additional costs to worry about, free really means free here.

Network name: The network name at LBA is something like “LeedsBradfordAirport_Free_WiFi”. It might also show as “FreeWiFi-LeedsBradford” or similar. According to the airport, that’s the one to select; it’s pretty obvious as it contains “LeedsBradford” in the SSID.

How to connect:

1. On your device, select “LeedsBradfordAirport_Free_WiFi” from the available networks.
2. A browser window or pop-up will appear. You’ll need to log on for the first time by entering your name and email address. This quick registration is one-time. After you submit the form, your device will be recognised on subsequent visits (so next time, it should connect automatically or with a single click).
3. Once registered, you are online, with no time limits to worry about. Browse, stream, work, or play at will. The Wi-Fi here is generally stable and reasonably fast for a regional airport.
4. If you have any hiccup connecting, just try refreshing the browser or disabling/re-enabling Wi-Fi. The system is run by a provider, but it’s straightforward. There is no voucher or code needed, just the initial sign-in.
5. Enjoy unlimited access. If you’re travelling with family, each of their devices can also log on with their email (or use the same one; they likely don’t mind). The airport’s aim is to let you use the internet without hassle.

With unlimited free Wi-Fi, Leeds Bradford stands out; no wonder it gets a nod of approval from tech-savvy flyers. Whether you’re waiting out a fog delay or just arrived extra early, you won’t run out of internet. Upload those Yorkshire Dales photos, stream some cricket highlights, or send off work emails, as much as you want. Just remember to look up from your screen to see when your gate is called (we know, the Wi-Fi is tempting)!

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

How much is free? At Liverpool Airport (LPL), you’ll get up to 4 hours of free Wi-Fi access. That’s quite generous, four hours should comfortably cover most delays or long waits (maybe, unless you’re enduring a Beatles reunion worth of time). In practice, Liverpool’s free Wi-Fi used to be only 30 minutes, but they massively expanded it to 4 hours following passenger feedback.

Cost for more: If, for some reason, you need more than 4 hours online (perhaps a very long delay or an overnight stay terminal), Liverpool offers a premium Wi-Fi service for £5 per session. The details given by the airport indicate that £5 likely gets you a high-speed connection beyond the free period (possibly for the rest of the day). The wording “Premium WiFi for £5 per session” suggests that once you pay £5, you get unthrottled access, possibly with higher speed, for an extended period (likely 24 hours, but confirm on the portal). So, essentially: 4 hours free on the standard network, then £5 if you want to continue with premium quality. Not a bad deal, though many won’t need it given the lengthy free allowance.

Network name: The free network is “Free Airport WiFi” (as per Liverpool’s instructions). When you open Wi-Fi settings, look for that name. It’s likely an open network that then brings up a login page. Be cautious: “Free Airport WiFi” can sound generic, but in Liverpool’s case, that is the official SSID. If in doubt, ask an airport staff member which Wi-Fi to join (they’ll confirm it’s the one labelled Free Airport WiFi).

How to connect:

1. Select “Free Airport WiFi” on your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. Your browser should redirect to the Liverpool John Lennon Airport Wi-Fi portal. You may be asked to enter some info or just click to connect. According to one source, you just enter your details, and the provider might make you go through a short ad or splash page, then you’re on.
3. Browse freely for up to 4 hours. The airport hasn’t specified if 4 hours is per day or per session, but it’s implied per day. That should be more than enough for typical use. You can stream YouTube, video chat with friends, or keep up with the footy scores.
4. If you reach the 4-hour limit (say you had a very long layover or you arrived super early and then your flight got delayed), you’ll need to either let it go or purchase the premium Wi-Fi. When the time is up, any attempt to browse will redirect you to a payment page. There, you can opt for the £5 premium WiFi. Pay via card or the options given, and once done, you’ll be reconnected. The premium likely offers faster speeds and no further time limits for that session.
5. Note: The airport cryptically mentioned that after the free period, “the provider would then reveal how much to buy more, not ideal”, which hints they weren’t thrilled with how it was communicated. But now we know: it’s £5. So at least you won’t be surprised by the cost.

Liverpool’s improvement to 4 hours free was a response to being called out for poorer Wi-Fi offerings in the past. Now it’s quite passenger-friendly. Four hours covers pretty much any dwell time; few people will be online longer unless they’re seriously camped out. And even then, a fiver opens the gates to unlimited usage. So you can sing “All You Need Is… Wi-Fi” happily at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The speeds are generally okay, maybe not lightning-fast during peak times, but fine for streaming music or standard-def video. So go on, keep yourself entertained at LPL with plenty of YouTube or maybe some Beatles tunes on Spotify, it is Liverpool, after all!

London City Airport

How much is free? London City Airport (LCY) offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. That’s right, unlimited. This makes sense, as City caters to business travellers who expect constant connectivity, and the airport delivers. There are no time restrictions on the free service, so you can stay connected from the moment you arrive to the moment you take off.

Cost for more: None, the Wi-Fi is completely free with no paid tiers for general use. You won’t run into any paywall or timeout asking you to purchase more time. Some might recall that years ago, a few airports had premium options, but London City’s current setup is straightforward: free and unlimited. If you do want more (like a quieter space or guaranteed higher speeds), you’d typically use an airport lounge (which has its own free Wi-Fi), but that’s unrelated to the public Wi-Fi.

Network name: The network is usually named “LCY Free Wi-Fi” or a variant thereof. According to connectivity guides, look for “LCY Free Wi-Fi” in your list of networks; that’s the official SSID.

How to connect:

1. Select “LCY Free Wi-Fi” on your device’s Wi-Fi menu.
2. Open a web browser. You should see the London City Airport Wi-Fi welcome page. It will likely ask you to accept terms and maybe enter an email address for a quick registration. Some users report that you just click “Connect” and you’re on, with an option to enter an email if you want updates. It’s not a cumbersome login.
3. Once you accept/submit, you’ll be connected to the internet. There is no time limit; your session can last indefinitely during that day.
4. Enjoy browsing at will. City Airport’s Wi-Fi is generally fast (business-heavy airport demands good service). You can run a VPN, stream a video, or join a Zoom call if needed.
5. If you encounter any trouble connecting, there’s an “Online accessibility WiFi” page on LCY’s site, but that’s more about digital accessibility features. In plain terms, the Wi-Fi should just work after that initial click-through. You shouldn’t have to reconnect or pay at any point.

London City knows its clientele; many passengers are in suits, coming from Canary Wharf or the City, and often they’re working right up to boarding. Thus, the airport makes Wi-Fi easy and free, matching the style of some international hubs. The unlimited aspect means you could essentially treat the airport like a temporary office or entertainment hub. Power outlets are available in seating areas, and with free Wi-Fi, you can comfortably stream or work.

One nice thing: no annoying adverts or frequent log-ins. Anecdotally, the City’s Wi-Fi portal is minimal fuss: connect and go. If only all airports were this straightforward! So the next time you’re at LCY and you finish that novel early, feel free to binge some episodes or video-chat with family, the Wi-Fi has you covered until final call. And given LCY’s small size, you’re never far from the gate, so you can relax online until it’s time to fly.

Luton Airport

How much is free? London Luton Airport now provides unlimited free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. This is a big upgrade; not too long ago, Luton capped free Wi-Fi at 4 hours (which was still quite generous). But as of 2021, they rolled out a new digital service suite including fast, free, unlimited Wi-Fi at 10 Mb/s across the airport. In plain terms, there’s no time limit on Luton’s Wi-Fi anymore. You can stay connected as long as you’re in the building.

Cost for more: None for general usage. The free service is already relatively fast (10 Mbps) and unlimited. There is no mention of a paid tier because it’s not needed; the standard offering is excellent. If you see any references to “first 4 hours free” (like on some older sites), ignore that; it’s outdated. The current situation: free and unlimited for all passengers. The only “cost” would be if you, for some reason, needed a specialised connection or a rental MiFi (not necessary here). So, no payments are required to use Luton’s Wi-Fi to the max.

Network name: The Wi-Fi network at Luton is called “Luton Airport WIFI”. (Yes, “WIFI” in all caps as shown by the portal info.) It’s straightforward to identify and is available airport-wide.

How to connect:

1. Select “Luton Airport WIFI” on your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. Open your web browser. It should redirect to LLA’s Wi-Fi welcome page (provided by Virgin WiFi).
3. Follow the instructions: usually, click “Connect”, and you might need to register with an email or social login. Luton’s new system might also present a short sponsored message or prompt to download the airport app, but you can skip past those if not interested. The key step is agreeing to the terms and hitting Connect.
4. After that, you are online with no timer counting down. The service is delivered by Virgin Media, and they state it’s up to 10 Mbps, enough for streaming and definitely for emails, browsing, etc.
5. If you encounter any glitch, note that Luton’s Wi-Fi is Virgin’s network. You could try going to a URL like http://www.lutonairport.com, which might trigger the portal if it didn’t appear. But in most cases, it’s smooth.

With Luton’s unlimited Wi-Fi, feel free to do whatever you’d do on your home connection (bearing in mind it’s a public network, so usual security cautions apply). You can keep kids entertained with cartoons, have a marathon video call, or get some serious work done on a VPN. Luton invested in these digital improvements as part of their terminal revamp, including the Marketplace ordering system and charging stations, making the passenger experience more high-tech. And we tech users love free unlimited internet, so kudos to LTN.

So go ahead and Snapchat your pre-flight coffee, stream your favourite show, or download big files before your trip; Luton’s Wi-Fi won’t cut you off. Just don’t forget to board your flight amidst all that digital bliss!

Manchester Airport

How much is free? Manchester Airport has 2 hours of free Wi-Fi available per day. They doubled the free allowance from the old 1 hour to 2 hours to keep up with passenger expectations. You can use these two hours in one go or spread across your time at MAN. If you have a layover or delay, 2 hours covers a lot of browsing or a movie. Note that it’s per 24-hour period, per device. If you really need more on the same day, you’ll have to look at the paid option (or use a second device for another free block, sneaky!).

Cost for more: For those wanting more time or faster speeds, Manchester offers a premium Wi-Fi upgrade for just £2. That £2 gives you high-speed access for 24 hours on up to two devices. The premium service is great for bandwidth-heavy tasks like uninterrupted HD streaming or online gaming (if airport gaming is your thing). If you don’t opt for premium, after your free 2 hours, you’d have no internet on that device unless you pay. They no longer do the old hourly charges; it’s basically: free 2h or £2 for a day of premium. Fairly reasonable compared to many airports.

Network name: Connect to “_FreeWifi” on your device. (This is the same SSID at all MAG airports, Manchester, Stansted, East Midlands, so it’s consistent.) “_FreeWifi” is the network for the free service. If you purchase premium, you might then connect to “_PremiumWiFi”, or the system will handle it after payment. Initially, always choose _FreeWifi to start the process.

How to connect:

1. Select “_FreeWifi” from the Wi-Fi networks list.
2. A browser window will open to the Manchester Airport Wi-Fi portal. It will clearly mention the 2 hours free and the option to get faster Wi-Fi for £2. First, you’ll need to register or log in on this portal. If it’s your first time, fill in your name, email, etc. (Returning users may be recognised and just asked to accept terms.)
3. Opt for the Free Wi-Fi to begin your complimentary session. Click through any terms/conditions. You now have 120 minutes of internet at standard speed, which is perfectly fine for browsing, social media, and even standard video streaming.
4. If you decide you want the faster connection or your 2h is nearly up, you can upgrade. On the portal (either initially or when time expires), select the £2 Premium Wi-Fi option. You’ll be guided to enter your credit card or payment details. After payment, your device might switch to a “Premium” network or simply continue with enhanced speed. This upgrade is valid for 24 hours across the airport and lets you connect two devices with that one purchase, good if you have a laptop and phone, for example.
5. Once connected (either free or premium), you can also roam in any of Manchester’s terminals (1, 2, or 3) and remain connected. The system is airport-wide. If you go to the Runway Visitor Park to watch planes, guess what, they even have coverage there under the same scheme!

Passengers have noted that Manchester’s free Wi-Fi is decent, but the premium is noticeably faster and less congested (hence the small fee). It’s a smart model: casual users pay nothing, power users pay a coffee’s worth of money for a big boost. If you’re on a layover or delay, that £2 could be well worth not having your YouTube buffer every two minutes. But if you’re just checking email and WhatsApp, the free service will do nicely.

Either way, with 2 hours free, most people won’t need to spend a dime. And if you do, £2 is one of the cheapest airport Wi-Fi charges around. Enjoy your time online at MAN, and if you run out of things to do on the internet in those 2 hours, you could always explore the terminals’ shops or perhaps talk to a fellow traveller (crazy idea, right?). But yes, Manchester’s got you covered connectivity-wise, rain or shine (probably rain, it’s Manchester after all!).

Newcastle Airport

How much is free? Newcastle International Airport provides unlimited free Wi-Fi to passengers, albeit at a base speed. They don’t impose a time limit, which is great, so you can stay connected throughout your time at NCL. The free service is designed for general use (browsing, emails, social media). There’s no cut-off after 30 or 60 minutes; you can keep using it for hours if need be.

Cost for more: While time is unlimited for free, Newcastle offers a premium Wi-Fi service for £5. Opting for this gives you faster speeds (suitable for heavy streaming, gaming, and large downloads) and likely ensures a more stable connection if the free network is busy. The £5 premium pass doesn’t seem to have a time limit either (it might be for 24 hours or simply for the duration of your stay; the airport calls it a “premium service” at a flat £5). So, essentially: free Wi-Fi for everyone at decent speed, or upgrade for £5 to get the fast lane of the internet. If you’re just checking Twitter, free is fine; if you’re downloading a 10GB update (probably not advisable on public Wi-Fi anyway!), premium might be worth it.

Network name: The free network name is “_NCLFreeWiFi”. The premium network is “_NCLPremiumWiFi”. (Even though NCL is Newcastle’s code, you’ll see that naming convention even at other AGS airports, a slight quirk in their setup.) To use free, connect to NCLFreeWiFi; to use premium, you’ll connect to NCLPremiumWiFi after purchasing.

How to connect:

1. Select “_NCLFreeWiFi” from the available networks on your device for the free service.
2. A browser page will appear. You’ll typically need to complete a short registration form (name, email) if it’s your first time, and then click a validation link sent to your email (this one-time step is to verify your email). Once that’s done (it’s quick, maybe do it while standing in the security queue), you’ll be online.
3. You now have unlimited access at the standard speed. If all you need is to message on WhatsApp, browse news, or even watch some YouTube at moderate quality, this will do just fine. There is no time expiration to worry about.
4. If you want faster internet (say you’re trying to video conference or download big files), you can choose the premium network. On your device, connect to “_NCLPremiumWiFi”. Upon trying to use it, it will prompt you for payment of £5. Provide your payment details, and once processed, you’ll get the high-speed connection. (If you were already on the free plan and want to upgrade, you might find an “upgrade” option on the portal or simply switch networks and pay.)
5. After that, enjoy high-bandwidth freedom. According to the airport, the premium is ideal for video streaming and gaming, implying the free might throttle those a bit, but with premium, you get open access. The premium pass presumably lasts the day or at least your session; there’s no explicit time given, but typically a 24-hour period is standard for such a fee.

In summary, Newcastle gives you the best of both: totally free Wi-Fi with no time cap, and an optional paid boost for speed demons. Many travellers find the free service perfectly adequate, as Newcastle isn’t the world’s busiest airport so the network isn’t usually overloaded. The login process with email verification is a minor hoop, but it’s only once. On subsequent visits, or if you have already validated, it’s as simple as connecting and possibly logging in with the account you created.

So whether you’re streaming “Fog on the Tyne” or having a long Skype call with your Geordie gran, Newcastle’s Wi-Fi has you sorted. Plug in, log on, and surf away, the free in “Tyne and Wear” now also applies to Wi-Fi here! And if you’re in a rush, don’t forget to keep an ear out for boarding announcements; unlimited Wi-Fi can make time fly faster than a short-haul to London.

Prestwick Airport

How much is free? Travellers using Glasgow Prestwick Airport get two hours of free Wi-Fi access. Prestwick might not be the busiest airport, but it ensures you have internet for a good couple of hours, which typically covers most wait times there. (Fun fact: Prestwick was the first airport in Scotland Elvis Presley set foot in, alas, no Wi-Fi in 1960, but if there had been, it would have been free only for 5 minutes, given the technology then! Two hours is much better. )

Cost for more: If you need more than the provided 2 hours, Prestwick’s Wi-Fi provider charges £3 for an additional hour. The phrasing in their info is “an additional hour available for a payment of £3” after the free two hours. That implies if you want, say, another hour beyond that, it’s £3, and presumably you could purchase more hours in £3 increments. They also mention a maximum of £3 per hour, which could mean they might have a day or multi-hour package at a slightly better rate, but from the given info, plan on £3/hour after the free period. Compared to many other places, that’s on the pricier side if you needed many hours, but keep in mind Prestwick is small and few would linger that long.

Network name: The network to select is “Free Airport Wi-Fi” (the same generic name as some other airports), or possibly it could appear as “_Prestwick Free WiFi”. However, the official guide says to choose the wireless network ‘Free Airport WiFi’. That should be the SSID broadcast in the terminal.

How to connect:

1. On your device, select “Free Airport WiFi” from the network list.
2. Open a web browser, which will bring up the Wi-Fi login page. According to instructions, after selecting the network, follow the instructions in your browser, likely a click-through captive portal where you accept terms or enter a simple detail or two. The service is provided by Arqiva, so it might resemble other UK airport login pages.
3. Once connected, you have 2 hours free to use. The system might keep track via your device’s MAC or the login details you entered. Use the Wi-Fi for emails, social media, etc., it’s reasonably straightforward.
4. As you approach two hours, if you still need Wi-Fi, be prepared for it to cut out once the time is up. At that point, if you try to browse, you’ll likely be redirected to a payment page. There you can pay £3 to get one more hour online. Select that option, enter your payment info, and once approved, you’ll resume connectivity for that paid hour. (If they offer any longer packages, it would be indicated on the portal; historically, they didn’t advertise beyond hourly at Prestwick.)
5. If you don’t want to pay, then after 2 hours, you’re done. The network will not allow further free usage on the same device. You could use a second device for another free 2h (if you had one), but that’s only if you’re really desperate to avoid the £3. For most, two hours will more than cover the wait at Prestwick.

Prestwick’s Wi-Fi is provided by Arqiva (now part of Virgin Media O2), the same provider that covers many UK airports. It’s generally reliable. Two hours free is actually generous for an airport that size. Many will never hit that limit before boarding. If you do end up in a situation like a significant delay, £3 for another hour isn’t too terrible, but yes, if it turned into an all-day wait, it could add up (in such cases, finding a café or lounge might be a better move, since those often have unlimited Wi-Fi for the price of a coffee or lounge entry).

One more tip: Prestwick has internet kiosks in case you didn’t have a device or yours ran out of battery, but those kiosks also allow phone charging and internet use, often at a cost after a certain time. Given you have free Wi-Fi for two hours, using your own device is simpler and cheaper. And remember, “select_Free Airport WiFi” is the network name (it’s literally quoted that way in their guide). Once connected, you might even pass the time reading up on why Prestwick is sometimes called “Pure Dead Brilliant Airport” (Google it, it’s a Glasgow humour thing).

So kick back at Prestwick, enjoy your free browsing time, and if you’re an Elvis fan, note that the airport has a plaque commemorating The King’s brief visit; you can probably find its location online… using the free Wi-Fi, of course. Thank you very much, Prestwick.

Southampton Airport

How much is free? Travellers using Southampton Airport enjoy up to 4 hours of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Historically, SOU offered a very generous four-hour free period, one of the longest free allowances among UK airports (likely because it adopted the system of its former owners AGS, which gave 4h free at Southampton). However, recent information from the airport’s website suggests the current model is 1 hour free (limited speed) without signup, or 4 hours free if you sign up, this is a bit confusing, so let’s clarify: It appears you can get 1 hour free instantly, and if you go through a sign-up process, you can extend to 4 hours free. Regardless, you can get up to 4 hours free one way or another. For simplicity, assume you have 4 hours of free Wi-Fi at your disposal after a quick registration. Four hours covers essentially any wait at Southampton (it’s a small airport with quick turnaround).

Cost for more: If you somehow need more than 4 hours (maybe you’re waiting for the last Flybe flight that got cancelled and rebooked next morning, yikes), Southampton has paid options: £2.00 for 24 hours premium (same as Aberdeen/Glasgow) or other long-term passes like £9 for 6 months, £130 for 12 months etc., which are clearly targeted at frequent users or staff. The key one for passengers is the 24-hour premium for £2. Premium here means higher speed (10 Mbps up, 5 Mbps down, as one Purple WiFi doc states) and obviously no time limits. But if you’re just a normal traveller, you likely won’t need to pay anything, given the ample free period.

Network name: Connect to “Southampton_Airport_WiFi” for the free service. (It might show as “_Free SOU Airport” on some devices; previously, they used an SSID like “_Free SOU Airport”. The underscore version might have been replaced by the full name one.) Either way, look for “Southampton Airport” in the Wi-Fi name.

How to connect:

1. Select “Southampton_Airport_WiFi” on your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. A browser page will prompt you. If it’s like the other AGS airports, you sign up by entering your name and email (and possibly verifying via email). According to older info, no sign-up was required for the first hour and then sign-up to extend to 4 hours. Possibly now they just have you sign up from the get-go, not a big deal.
3. Once connected, you have 4 hours of free browsing. The first hour might be at a slightly lower speed until sign-up, but assuming you’ve done the registration, you should get decent speed for the whole 4 hours.
4. If you exhaust the 4 hours and still need internet, you can opt for premium. To do this, select “_SOUPremium” (or similar) or just follow the portal’s upgrade/payment option. Pay £2 by card for 24h access. This bumps your speed and removes any remaining limits.
5. Once premium is activated, you’re effectively on unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi for the remainder of your time at the airport (and technically for the next day if you were around, unlikely). If you didn’t upgrade, after 4 hours, your device will be done with free access for that day.

Southampton’s Wi-Fi is provided by Purple WiFi (like Aberdeen/Glasgow), hence the similar structure. They advertise the free speeds and premium speeds openly, which is nice. 1 hour free, no sign-up, 4 hours with sign-up is a bit of a quirky model, but either way, 4 hours free is effectively the case if you just fill in the form. Most people won’t stay 4 hours at Southampton Airport; it’s pretty efficient, but if you do, that’s generous coverage. The £2 for a day is again extremely reasonable if you need it.

In short, at SOU, plenty of free Wi-Fi for your needs. Connecting might involve a few clicks and possibly an email verification, but then you’re good to go. So whether you’re flying to Manchester or Mallorca from the south coast, you can Spotify or Skype away until boarding. And if you decide to camp out using all 4 hours, maybe buy a snack from the café as thanks for the free net, or, you know, spend £2 and watch Netflix in HD until the cows come home (or your flight departs). Either way, Southampton keeps you connected.

Southend Airport

How much is free? Good news for those flying from London Southend: the Wi-Fi is unlimited and free, with no time limits. Southend Airport (SEN) might be smaller, but it’s mighty generous with internet. They introduced free unlimited Wi-Fi a while back as part of modernising the airport experience when traffic was growing. So, you can connect and use it without any countdown clocks.

Cost for more: None, no paid Wi-Fi needed at Southend. They do not impose caps that would require you to purchase extra time. It’s a simple, free service for all. (If anything, the only “upgrade” path is using a lounge for perhaps a quieter space, but the Wi-Fi remains the same free network.) So you won’t have to spend a penny to be online the entire time at SEN.

Network name: The network is typically “London Southend Free WiFi”. That’s according to sources like travel sites, and it’s a logical name. It may also appear just as “Free WiFi” when you’re at the airport, but look for one that clearly references Southend. The official airport site likely details it, but essentially, it should be identifiable as the airport’s free network.

How to connect:

1. Select “London Southend Free WiFi” on your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. Open a web browser if it doesn’t auto-redirect. You’ll see a welcome page for Southend Airport Wi-Fi. The process is usually to accept terms and click connect. Sometimes they might ask for an email to register (common with these systems), so fill that in if prompted.
3. Once done, you’re connected with no time restriction. Use it as you please, stream music, check emails, video-call friends to say you’re flying from this lovely little airport.
4. The speed is generally fine for regular usage. It might not be lightning-fast at peak times, but unlimited free Wi-Fi means they expect people to use it, and capacity is planned accordingly.
5. If you have any issues connecting, you could reach out to airport staff. However, the system is straightforward. There’s no mention of any premium service, so what you get for free is what you get, period. It’s usually more than sufficient for normal needs.

London Southend Airport had a boom in the late 2010s with budget airlines and positioned itself as a convenient alternative to the big London airports. Providing free unlimited Wi-Fi was one of the passenger-friendly perks (that, and the short walking distances!). So take advantage of it: whether you’re waiting for a flight to Dublin or Alicante, you can watch YouTube or finish some work without worrying about a timeout.

One small tip: because it’s unlimited and free, you might notice more people streaming or kids on iPads, so if speeds ever slow, that’s just usage load. But overall, Southend’s Wi-Fi has been reviewed positively. And with no cost or cutoff, it’s stress-free. Thus, in the spirit of Southend’s famed pier (the longest pleasure pier in the world), think of the Wi-Fi as the “longest free connection”; it’ll go on and on. Just remember to look up from your device to enjoy the ease of this little airport; sometimes your boarding gate is just a minute’s walk away!

Stansted Airport

How much is free? Stansted Airport offers 4 hours of free Wi-Fi per day to each passenger. This generous allowance was implemented a few years back (they doubled it from 2 hours to 4). So you can be online for up to four hours without paying, a boon for those long waits or if you arrive very early. Four hours covers most scenarios; only in irregular operations or very long layovers might someone exceed that.

Cost for more: If you do need more than 4 hours, Stansted has paid options. The typical offer is to buy a 24-hour access for £9 (that was the historical rate listed, and likely still around that mark). In fact, they used to advertise packages like 24 hours for £9, or monthly and annual plans (£70 for 6 months, £130 for 12 months) for frequent travellers. These longer plans aren’t really aimed at typical travellers, mostly airport staff or very frequent flyers. For most people, if you somehow blow through 4 hours of free Wi-Fi, you can purchase an extra day’s worth for ~£9. Also, Stansted’s free Wi-Fi resets every 24 hours, so theoretically the next day you’d get another free block (not that many travellers spend multiple days at STN!).

Network name: Connect to “_FreeWifi” (the same as Manchester and East Midlands, since Stansted is also MAG-operated). The SSID for free will be “_FreeWifi” across the terminal. If you upgrade, it might use the same network or a “_PremiumWiFi”, similar to Manchester’s system. Initially, always go with _FreeWifi to start the free session.

How to connect:

1. Select “_FreeWifi” on your device’s Wi-Fi list.
2. A browser page will open (or navigate to a site to trigger it). It’s the Stansted Wi-Fi portal, which is similar to Manchester’s. It will inform you of the free 4-hour access and possibly mention that you can pay for longer or faster service. Register or log in with your email (if first time, a quick sign-up; returning users can just log in).
3. Once you agree to the terms and submit, you’ll be connected. Now you have 4 hours of free internet available. A timer likely runs in the background, but you won’t see it until close to expiry. Use the Wi-Fi for anything from browsing to streaming; it’s decently fast for typical tasks.
4. If your 4 hours are almost up, you might get a pop-up or email prompting you to extend. When it expires, open a browser, and it will redirect to the purchase options page. Choose the 24-hour or other package (e.g. “1 day for £9” as was standard). Provide payment details and confirm. Then you’ll be back online, likely with premium speed, for the duration purchased.
5. The free usage is per device per day. If you have multiple devices, each can enjoy 4 hours. Also, Stansted’s portal often remembers devices for some time if you registered, making subsequent connections quicker.

Stansted’s extension of free Wi-Fi to 4 hours was part of a PR push to improve customer satisfaction. So take advantage of it, four hours is plenty to get some work done or entertain yourself. If you’re a power user (maybe uploading large files or streaming HD video continuously), you might consider the paid upgrade for the faster speed or if you really need more time. But for most, 4 hours of complimentary Wi-Fi is effectively unlimited for a normal airport dwell time.

Keep in mind: Stansted can be very busy (lots of budget airline travellers), so at peak times the Wi-Fi may have many users. The airport has upgraded infrastructure for this, but if speeds dip, that’s why. Still, being able to check email, social media, or even join a work call for free is a great convenience.

So, whether you’re flying off to Ibiza or coming in from Istanbul, Stansted’s Wi-Fi will keep you connected through the wait, up to 4 hours gratis. After that, maybe it’s a sign to disconnect and stretch your legs… or just cough up the £9 if you really must keep watching TikToks. Either way, Stansted has you covered for connectivity.

Teesside International Airport

How much is free? Teesside International (formerly Durham Tees Valley) provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal with apparently no strict time limit. After the airport’s revitalisation in 2021, they’ve made the Wi-Fi passenger-friendly, and I’ve not found any reports of time caps. It’s likely unlimited free access (or effectively so for most stays). The relatively small size of MME and manageable passenger numbers mean they can afford to offer it freely. If there is a cap, it’s not advertised, and many travel sources say simply “Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport” with no mention of time limits.

Cost for more: None that we know of. There’s no mention of paid Wi-Fi at Teesside; it seems to be entirely complimentary. Perhaps if someone sat there all day binge-watching 4K movies, they might bump into a fair-use policy, but for normal travellers, no charges apply for using the Wi-Fi.

Network name: Likely something straightforward like “MME Free WiFi” or “Teesside Airport WiFi”. The Omio travel guide references a Wi-Fi hotspot and doesn’t give the SSID, but presumably, signs in the terminal will indicate the Wi-Fi network. It could even be the same “_FreeWifi” as other Stobart-owned airports (Southend used to be under the same group), but since it’s under local authority ownership now, it might be a unique SSID. If in doubt, ask staff or look for “Free Wi-Fi” on your device’s list; it should be the obvious one named after the airport.

How to connect:

1. Enable Wi-Fi on your device and select the Teesside Airport Wi-Fi network (e.g. if you see one labelled “Teesside_Free_WiFi” or similar, go for that).
2. Launch a web browser. You’ll probably see a simple splash page welcoming you to Teesside Airport Wi-Fi. Follow any prompts, such as entering an email or just clicking “Connect”. The process should be minimal, given the airport’s emphasis on hassle-free service; they likely keep it simple.
3. You’re now connected and can use the internet without a set time limit. Feel free to stream or browse as needed.
4. If by chance there were a limit (say, a very high one or just not enforced), the portal would let you know. But none is documented publicly, which suggests it’s effectively unlimited for passengers.
5. Enjoy the free connectivity. The speeds at Teesside are reportedly fine for general use; the airport isn’t large, so there won’t be hundreds of people competing for bandwidth most of the time.

Teesside Airport, in its rebranded glory, emphasises a stress-free passenger experience (they even have a slogan about 15-minute check-ins, etc.). Complimentary Wi-Fi is part of that package; they literally include “free wifi” in their list of amenities in promos. So, you can count on staying connected from curb to gate. They even have a nice little executive lounge, and if you’re in there, of course, Wi-Fi is free too (possibly the same network).

So whether you’re flying from Teesside for business or the Canary Islands, rest assured you can WhatsApp your family, check your work emails, or watch cat videos at your leisure, free of charge. The only thing you might pay for at Teesside is a lemon top ice cream if they sold them (Google that North East treat if you’re curious!). The airport’s transformation is all about customer convenience, and free Wi-Fi is a given. All in all, Teesside might be small, but it’s big on keeping you connected.

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FAQs (2025): UK Airport Wi-Fi Edition

Wi-Fi-Enhancing Apps to Try Abroad

Want a smoother Wi-Fi experience once you leave home? These apps can help you connect faster, skip tedious sign-ups, and even find free hotspots.

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FLIO

What it does: FLIO remembers your login info and (where supported) automatically logs you into airport Wi-Fi networks-so you don’t have to fill in forms every time. It also offers deals on food, drinks, and shopping in airports, plus maps of terminal facilities and live flight updates. Recently it added better support for Android.
Where to get it: Available for iOS and Android via their respective app stores.

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Routehappy

What it does: Use Routehappy to check whether a flight offers Wi-Fi (as well as in-flight entertainment, seat comfort, etc.). It gives each route a “happiness” score, which is handy when choosing flights where staying connected matters.
Where to get it: Browse the service at Routehappy

Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

What it does: This app helps you find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots – in cities and towns – and can do so offline using GPS. Great for staying connected when away from airports or your hotel.
Where to get it: Available on both iOS and Android.

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Open Signal

What it does: Open Signal shows you where the nearest cell towers are and uses a compass to guide you in their direction, helping you boost a weak mobile signal. It also helps pinpoint free local Wi-Fi networks in your area.
Where to get it: Download it on iOS or Android.

Disclaimer: The information above is accurate as of 2025 and is compiled from official sources and airport communications. However, airport services (including Wi-Fi offerings) may change without notice. Always double-check signs or information at the airport for the latest Wi-Fi details. Costs mentioned (like £5 or £2 packages) are subject to change by the service providers. If you encounter a different policy on-site (say, an airport moves from time-limited to unlimited free Wi-Fi, or vice versa), please follow the on-site instructions. We’ve taken care to include current data, but airports continuously upgrade services; for instance, some that had limits might remove them in the future, and any prices for premium services could be updated. Use of airport Wi-Fi is also subject to each airport’s terms of use, typically found on the login page, so be sure to use the service responsibly. Safe travels and happy browsing!