If you are flying from the UK this year on holiday or business, then finding WiFi in the terminal will be a priority for many - as predictions of delays and cancellations point to many hours spent in the departure lounge. Don't panic, though, we have all the WiFi information to get you online for free at all major UK airports.
Read on to find out how much free WiFi is available - and how to log-on to it - at all major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Stansted. Scroll down for our easy-to-read guide that's been updated for 2024.
Heathrow
Airport, just one of the UK terminals where WiFi is free for travellers - find out how to log on here
(Credit: Pixabay.com)
Why you need airport WiFi
Most people will have data packages, but airports are not typically the best place to use such connections - with weak signals and many people all attempting to draw on the bandwidth. That's where airport WiFi can help out, with many terminals having upgraded systems to take the strain.
Many WiFi systems will include a homepage, with links to useful services within the airport, such as where to buy breakfast and other useful information - there may be discount codes to help you save money on services in the airport.
Update apps with airport WiFi before you fly...
Before you fly, it's a good idea to check that none of your vital apps - such as online banking and WhatsApp etc - do not need updating. Otherwise, you could find yourself eating into your on-holiday data roaming allowance to update essential apps when you arrive at your destination. And, with many phone networks allowing just a few gigabytes of allowance, updating one of these apps could leave you spending a lot of money on expensive roaming deals.
WiFi networks at UK airports listed
Airport |
Name |
Password |
Cost |
| Aberdeen Airport | Aberdeen_Airport_WiFi | One-time sign-up required | Free for 1 hour |
| Belfast City Airport | N/A | N/A | Free |
| Belfast International Airport | N/A | N/A | Free 2-hours' |
| Birmingham Airport | N/A | One-time sign-up required | Free 30min |
| Bristol Airport | BRS Airport WiFi | One-time sign-up required | Free 2 hours |
| Cardiff Airport | N/A | N/A | Free 2 hours |
| East Midlands Airport | _FreeWifi | N/A | Free 4 hours |
| Edinburgh Airport | Edinburgh Airport | Sign-in required | Free 2 hours |
| Exeter Airport | N/A | N/A | Free access |
| Glasgow Airport | Glasgow_Airport_WiFi | One-time sign-up required | Free 1 hour |
| Glasgow Prestwick Airport | Free Airport WiFi | N/A | Free 2 hours |
| Jersey Airport | Ports of Jersey Public Wifi | Sign-in required | Free access |
| Leeds Bradford Airport | Leeds Bradford Airport_ Free_ WiFi | Sign-in required | Free access |
| Liverpool Airport | LJLA-Free-WiFi | Sign-in required | Free 4 hours |
| London City Airport | LCY Airport Free Wi-Fi | Sign-in required | Free access |
| London Gatwick Airport | Free Gatwick Wi-Fi | Sign-in required | Free access |
| London Heathrow Airport | _Heathrow WiFi | Sign-in required | Free access |
| London Luton Airport | Luton Airport WIFI | Sign-in required | Free access |
| London Southend Airport | London Southend Airport Free WiFi | Sign-in required | Free access |
| London Stansted Airport | _FreeWifi | Sign-in required | Free 4 hours |
| Manchester Airport | _FreeWifi | Sign-in required | Free 4 hours |
| Newcastle Airport | _NCLFreeWiFi (free) or _NCLPremiumWiFi (paid) | Sign-in required | Free |
| Southampton Airport | Southampton_Airport_WiFi | One-time sign-up required | Free 1 hour |
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Author: Pete Barden:
Twitter: @pete_barden
Pete Barden is a qualified journalist who has written and produced for publications including The Sun (thesun.co.uk), New Statesman Media Group, Whatcar? (Whatcar.com) Stuff Magazine (Stuff.tv), Fastcar Magazine (Fastcar.co.uk), Maxim Magazine and UK broadcast stations within the Heart network (Formerly GCAP). Pete specialises in motoring and travel content, along with news and production roles. You can find out more about Pete Barden on LinkedIn.
