Airports’ Wi-Fi networks can be a great way to stay connected while on the go. Many airports offer complimentary Wi-Fi; however, some will require users to register for the service with their email address or mobile number. They do this to make sure their network is being used fairly and lawfully, and if not, they can record it in their system for future reference.
But if you’ve never connected to one before, the process can seem a bit daunting. If you’re confused about how to get started, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through a complete process of taking full advantage of airport Wi-Fi without any headaches.
CONTENTS
Use the WiFox App to Connect to Airport Wi-Fi
In most airports, you are likely to find secure and insecure Wi-Fi networks. With public Wi-Fi being inherently insecure, login screens are often difficult to find. However, these networks are not safe to use as they are not password-protected.
In the case of secure Wi-Fi networks, airports often do not make those Wi-Fi networks accessible to everyone. They can either be hidden or password-protected.
This is where the WiFox app comes in. The app, which is accessible on both iOS and Android devices, lists all the airports’ Wi-Fi networks, as well as their passwords. The passwords are regularly updated through crowdfunding to ensure accuracy.
WiFox app also lists the best network access point from where you can get optimal speeds and connectivity.
When you visit an airport and find a secure Public Wi-Fi network, as well as its password, you can add it to the app to help other users enjoy the benefits of using a secure airport Wi-Fi connection.
How to Use the WiFox App?
- Download and install the WiFox app on your device.
- Open the app and select the airport you are currently at or will be visiting from the list of airports.
- A map of the airport will be displayed, with the location of the free Wi-Fi hotspots marked.
- When you get to the area with a strong network connection, search for the network or key in the network’s SSID to connect to it and enter the password when prompted.
How to Connect to Airport Wi-Fi Using WiFox App (WiFox App Walkthrough)
Using the Official Method to Connect to Airport Wi-Fi Network
While some airports try to make it difficult for their visitors to find Wi-Fi, others set up their networks so that your phone will give you a notification about the free Wi-Fi as soon as you enter the airport.
Here are some general steps you can follow to connect to any Wi-Fi network in any airport.
- Switch on the Wi-Fi on your device and look for available networks.
- Select any secure airport’s Wi-Fi network from the list of networks and connect to it.
- If the network is password-protected, enter the password when prompted.
- If the password is not provided, as the case is with many secure Wi-Fi networks, consult with the airport authorities to get the password.
- Enter your email address and your phone number if the sign-in page requires it. The Wi-Fi network will likely send you an OTP number to validate your email and phone number.
- Key in the OTP number in the provided space, and you should now be connected to the Internet.
Limitations That Come with Airport Wi-Fi
Airports often add limitations on their Wi-Fi networks. These limitations are added to ensure fair use of the network by all users and to prevent any misuse of the network.
For example, if airports didn’t offer limitations on their free Wi-Fi networks, people would take advantage of free Wi-Fi at airports to do data-heavy tasks, like downloading movies or video games, which can clog up the network and slow it down.
Some of these limitations can include the following:
A time limit – you will be cut off from the Internet after a certain amount of time. For example, some airports will cut off your internet connection after, let’s say, 2 hours. After 2 hours are over, you will not be allowed to connect to the Wi-Fi network or register to the network again using your previously used personal information.
How to Get Unlimited Wi-Fi at Airports
A data limit – some airports will give you a limited amount of data that you can use, after which you will be cut off from the Internet. Some airports will offer 1GB of data for free, and once you use up that data. You will be restricted from using the Wi-Fi network. This restriction provides fast, reliable Wi-Fi to hundreds of users at a time and prevents one person from hogging all the bandwidth.
Speed limitations – If you are not kicked out of the network after reaching your time or data limit, your connection will be significantly slowed down. This is usually the case with many public Wi-Fi networks, not just airport Wi-Fi. This is done to ensure that everyone connected to the network gets a fair chance to use the bandwidth.
How to Bypass Airport Wi-Fi Limitations
So, how do you get around these limitations?
There are a few ways.
If you cannot access your original account because you have reached the limit, then the easiest way to get around these restrictions is by using a different phone number and set of credentials. For most people, this should not be an issue as carrying dual-sim phones has become more and more common these days.
The second way around these restrictions is by using a VPN service. A VPN will encrypt your online traffic and make it look like you are accessing the Internet from a different location. Also, a VPN provides you with a new IP which will fool the airport Wi-Fi network into thinking that you are a new user.
You can also trick the Wi-Fi network into resetting your time and data limit by changing your MAC address. If you are kicked off the Wi-Fi network for hitting your time and data limit, simply download the Technitium MAC Address Changer for Windows or Linkliar for OS X to swap your MAC address.
This will fool the airport Wi-Fi network into thinking you’re a new user and give you another chance at accessing the Internet.
Below, you have some helpful links with explanations on how to connect to Airport Wi-Fi at the busiest airports in the US (and in the world).
Connecting to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Wi-Fi – https://www.flylax.com/lax-wifi
Connecting to Atlanta Airport (ATL) Wi-Fi – https://www.atl.com/about-atl/airport-amenities/#1513371867647-b08e6a05-8c9a
Connecting to O’Hare International Airport – https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/services/Pages/technology.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I need a special app to connect to airport Wi-Fi?
Answer: No, you don’t need any special apps to connect to airport Wi-Fi. All you will need is the Wi-Fi network’s SSID and password, and you will be able to access the network like any other Wi-Fi network.
Question: What is the best way to connect to airport Wi-Fi?
Answer: The best way to connect to airport Wi-Fi is by using a VPN service. A VPN will encrypt your online traffic and make it look like you are accessing the Internet from a different location. Also, a VPN will fool the airport Wi-Fi network into thinking that you are a new user.
Question: I can connect to the airport Wi-Fi, but I can’t browse the Internet. What’s wrong?
Answer: If you’re able to connect to the airport Wi-Fi network, but can’t browse the Internet, you’re likely behind a firewall. To bypass the firewall, you will need to connect to the network using a VPN service.
Question: I’m trying to connect to the airport Wi-Fi, but it’s not working. What can I do?
Answer: If you’re having trouble connecting to the airport Wi-Fi, the first thing you should do is check if the network is up and running. If the network is down, there’s nothing much you can do except wait for it to come back up. If the network is up and running, but you’re still having trouble connecting, try restarting your device. If that doesn’t work, try connecting to the Wi-Fi network using a different device.
Question: How do I find the password for the airport Wi-Fi network?
Answer: The password for the airport Wi-Fi network is usually posted somewhere at the airport. It’s usually posted on a sign near the entrance to the Wi-Fi area. You can also try to see if the password is available on the WiFox App.
Conclusion
Airport Wi-Fi can be great when you need to get some work done or kill some time before your flight. However, it is important to be aware of some limitations that come with using airport Wi-Fi.
By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can bypass these limitations and get the most out of your airport Wi-Fi experience.
If you have any questions or more suggestions on how to connect to airport Wi-Fi, feel free to leave them down below.
Hey, I’m Jeremy Clifford. I hold a bachelor’s degree in information systems, and I’m a certified network specialist. I worked for several internet providers in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle over the past 21 years.
I worked as a customer service operator, field technician, network engineer, and network specialist. During my career in networking, I’ve come across numerous modems, gateways, routers, and other networking hardware. I’ve installed network equipment, fixed it, designed and administrated networks, etc.
Networking is my passion, and I’m eager to share everything I know with you. On this website, you can read my modem and router reviews, as well as various how-to guides designed to help you solve your network problems. I want to liberate you from the fear that most users feel when they have to deal with modem and router settings.
My favorite free-time activities are gaming, movie-watching, and cooking. I also enjoy fishing, although I’m not good at it. What I’m good at is annoying David when we are fishing together. Apparently, you’re not supposed to talk or laugh while fishing – it scares the fishes.