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You would normally associate free Wi-Fi on board with Premium cabins on legacy carriers, but all that is about to change, since Norwegian have announced that they will be introducing free Wi-Fi onboard for all passengers regardless of their class of service.
When Will Norwegian Introduce Free Wi-Fi
The latest development extends Norwegian’s current policy of providing free Wi-Fi. The company currently offers the service on most of its intra-European flights and flights from the US to the Caribbean. Norwegian announced that this would be extended to its transatlantic routes within the year. The new complimentary Wi-Fi service will be available on both its new Boeing 737 MAX and its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Why This Is A Game Changer
The reason this could potentially be a game changer is not the fact the Wi-Fi is free but, who is offering complimentary Wi-Fi to passengers. Norwegian, being a low-cost carrier, are supposed to try and charge you for every single little thing. Ryanair has even sought to charge customers for using the toilet, but regulators quickly squashed those ideas. If a low-cost carrier can offer free Wi-Fi, why can’t everyone else?!
Without a doubt ever since Norwegian won approval to fly to the US, it has been gaining momentum and upping its game. From revolutionary $65 transatlantic fares to constant route expansion, Norwegian has performed brilliantly. The company’s growth will make other carriers stop and take stock of what Norwegian is doing.
Overall
This is a big coup for Norwegian in the face of legacy carriers, especially when you consider that Etihad has recently hiked their on-board Wi-Fi pricing. It will be interesting over time to see whether this move sets off a trend and starts forcing other carriers to cut Wi-Fi pricing which can be very high, or even do away with them completely. Hopefully, they will ultimately be removed, since staying connected in the modern world is probably one of the most appreciated perks when flying. We just hope that with everyone connecting that it'll still be usable!
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