Best US Airports for WiFi

October 24, 2007 at 11:06 AM | by pbb | Comments (8)

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In this summer-turned-fall of airport delays, one thing can help turn a trip from maddening hassle to sufferable necessity: Airport WiFi. If you're going to get stuck in a terminal far from home and far from where you're going, at least you can get online and get some work done (or update your Facebook page). At least, that's our dream.

Some airports claim free WiFi, but it is super tempermental and only exists in one terminal (JFK we are looking at you), some airports hang "We Have WiFi" banners throughout the terminals but in reality they offer a couple hours of access for $9.99, and worst of all, if you are hoping to gain coveted access to a sparse power outlet, they make you sit your ass on the, cold, hard, unforgiving airport floor while you access the web.

Lots of airports still don't even offer WiFi to travelers passing through, and we can't figure out why. In our view, it's another utility that should be provided for free, just like bathrooms and A/C. And more importantly, we find that an airport with reliable, free WiFi gets us planning our trip around such signal-strong airports.

But there's hope. Some large US airports are leading the way, while the real innovation is going on at the country's small airfields. Maybe it's due to less red tape, or maybe they just want to get noticed, but regional and less-used airports usually have the best WiFi.

Best US Airports for WiFi :: Up To Date US Airport WiFi Map

McCarran International :: LAS

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas has been offering fast, reliable, free, four bar WiFi since January 2005. LAS is the busiest airport in the country to offer full-blown free WiFi.

Getting online here is simple and quick in all terminals. Everyone knows LAS security lines can be some of the longest in the world, but the queue can also be fast moving. Furthermore, LAS flights back east have a knack for leaving after 10 PM, meaning you've already lost all your money and you'll end up at the airport early out of sheer boredom. Both of these factors mean you can spend big chunks of time at LAS gates waiting for you plane to board. In that scenario, the last thing most of us need is to drop more money in a Wheel of Fortune slot machine, and thankfully, with McCarran's stellar WiFi, you can head to the airport and burn a couple hours on the web without dropping another dime.

[Photo: cogdogblog]

Phoenix Sky Harbor :: PHX

Think the government never does anything worthwhile? Not the case in Phoenix. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon (not the poker player), members of the Phoenix City Council and Sky Harbor officials launched free WiFi at PHX back in December 2005 and have never looked back.

The signal is strong on both sides of security, around the shops and restaurants, and even near the gates.

Portland International :: PDX

While Portland's attempt to WiFi their entire city is stalling and more than likely won't work, the wireless at PDX works like a charm.

PDX has free WiFi in 70 percent of its facilities--including some spots outside of secured areas, which we like. You can even get online using a VPN if secure data transmission is your thing. Furthermore you'll find plenty of seating and power outlets obviously designed for the mobile worker--nice touch PDX.

The Big Guys:
LAX and JFK don't offer free WiFi, despite handling tons of business and international passengers. (JFK's Terminal 6 does have free 'net access.) Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta makes you pay as does Chicago O'Hare. Maybe they figure that if you're on business, you can expense the cost? Two big airports that get it right are Phoenix Sky Harbor and Las Vegas' McCarran International: Both offer fast, free WiFi with no hassles.

Well Done:
In the mid-size airport category, both Orlando International and Portland International do a bang-up job offering free internet access. But there's progress to be made in this category, with places like SFO and Miami International still charging for WiFi.

Small Airports Worth a Trip:
Ironically, the places where you're least likely to be delayed are also the airports with the best wireless. Places like Syracuse Hancock International and Long Beach make it easy to get online.

As much time as we spend in airports, we need your help to keep this list growing and current. As we all know an airports wireless situation can change as often as a departure time from JFK to BOS. Have another to add to the list? Have some new intelligence to report? Get in touch or leave it in comments and we will add it to the map for ya.

Related Stories:
· Airport WiFi Map [Jaunted]
· Airport WiFi coverage [Jaunted]

List compiled from Jaunted editors' and readers' up-to-date airport wireless experiences

Comments (8)

Return to » Best US Airports for WiFi

The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport in upstate New York was one of the first airports in the country to provide terminal-wide wireless access to the Internet for its customers. The program, which has been in effect since December 2003, has been operated by Ithaca-based Clarity Connect. Wireless equipped users will now be able to access the service anywhere within the terminal building free of charge.

Customer service is a high priority at the airport, and what better way to enhance it than by providing an important tool like free wireless internet access for its users. The airport is continuing its partnership with Clarity Connect to offer this service. For our visitors that do not have a wireless device with them, a computer workstation is available for use including 15 minutes of free internet access which will allow users to check e-mail, or briefly surf the web. The computer is conveniently located near the cafe and gift shop and is in easy view of the flight information display to keep track of flight times. Free wireless access is also available for users of the TC3 Conference room in the east wing of the terminal. The conference room is available for use by reservation through the Second Landing Café in the terminal. Please call 266-0007 or inquire in person for availability and terms.

Port Columbus, offers free WI-FI.

Last time I was in RIC, there was free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.

GRR has had free Wi-Fi for a number of years now.

FLL has free wireless with the name "concourse." STL, unfortunately, has pay wireless (can't remember the exact fees).

Jean-Lesage International in Québec City Québec Canada(YQB) has free wireless since the recent expansion

It's still from a local ISP, Clarity Connect, but you have to pay for access. Haven't seen the public PC for ages, but you're always welcome to rent the conference room.

I'm sitting in FNT right now and they have free WiFi.

Jaunted

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