X
Innovation

Wi-Fi charges in U.K. airports revealed

Businesses are continually hunting for new revenue sources, and as Wi-Fi is so sought after, it shouldn't come as a surprise that so few airports offer connections for free.
Written by Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer

Businesses are continually hunting for new revenue sources, and as Wi-Fi is so sought after, it shouldn't come as a surprise that so few airports offer connections for free.

New research reveals that only four out of the U.K.'s largest airports offer fliers free unlimited Wi-Fi access. Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London City airports all give passengers a free connection, whereas 21 others -- including the most busy -- do not.

The study, conducted by website Airport Parking and Hotels, found that Britain's busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, charge £3.95 per hour or £9.95 for one day, whereas the most expensive connections are available at Luton, Leeds Bradford and Cardiff for £5 per hour.

Blackpool International offers nothing at all, unless you are willing to pay £16 to enter the Executive lounge where Wi-Fi is provided free.

A number of airports, including Stansted, Bristol and Glasgow allow passengers thirty minutes free before charges begin.

The practice has come under criticism, especially considering how often Wi-Fi is available in coffee shops and public places. However, with the constant stream of passengers flying through the door, its unsurprising that charges are in place to give airports a new source of revenue that requires little management.

Perhaps if U.K. airports want to really milk their passengers, they should take a leaf out of Abu Dahbi's book.

Read More: The Telegraph

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com

Editorial standards