Qantas has finally flipped the Wi-Fi switch, now offering high speed wireless internet on its first aircraft. More to come, the carrier promises.
We're about to flick the switch on our beta #QFwifi flight, follow our journey as we surf the web at 30,000ft for the first time. pic.twitter.com/wxn8CWngd8
— Qantas (@Qantas) April 7, 2017
It is difficult for me to get on a flight anymore, particularly longhaul flight, without Wi-Fi. Qantas (and other oneworld partners like Cathay Pacific and British Airways) have been woefully behind the times in offering in-flight wireless connectivity.
That is finally changing. British Airways announced plans last week to bring Wi-Fi to its longhaul fleet and Qantas can now boast that at least one aircraft will offer onboard internet.
But one 737-800 that will operate domestically? Qantas has some serious catching up to do.
Targeting its competitive domestic market makes sense — I don’t begrudge Qantas in the last for focusing on that first. But one aircraft at a time is not going to cut it. This first aircraft is merely a test—
Testing will be complete by the middle of the year and from there, installation of the technology is expected to begin on the domestic fleet of Airbus 330s and Boeing 737s with the rollout across 80 aircraft completed by the end of 2018
And from what I can tell, there are no immediate plans to expand wireless internet to its A380s and 747s.
That is a strategic blunder of epic proportions.
Nevertheless, if you’re a Qantas flyer in Australia hopefully you will soon benefit from internet access onboard domestic flights. The good news is that this will be truly high speed internet. Qantas promises that you can stream Netflix and Spotify from the comfort of your seat!
In your opinion Matthew, what is the best points VISA card? I switched from Aeroplan to Aventura – they promised fewer points to buy air tickets, fly with any airline and no blackout days. Soon after they have raised their needed points to purchase flights.
Hi Kathie, depends on your travel patterns or what you want to use the points for. Do you have any specific trips coming up? Generally I’d say the Aeroplan card is the best of a string of inferior choices in Canada unless you can get an AMEX Plat.