Beginning this summer, Lufthansa will offer unlimited free messaging on its long-haul flights. This is an extension of its current policy of free messaging on European and medium-haul flights. The extension applies to flights between Germany and the Americas, plus...
Beginning this summer, Lufthansa will offer unlimited free messaging on its long-haul flights. This is an extension of its current policy of free messaging on European and medium-haul flights.
The extension applies to flights between Germany and the Americas, plus those between Germany and Africa and Asia that are longer than medium haul.
Here’s everything to know.
Free Messages Will Include Images
Lufthansa said in a statement that passengers will be able to send and receive any number of messages, including photos, during long-haul flights on their smartphone or tablet. The free service will be available in all classes.
Free messaging has been available for Miles & More loyalty program members on short- and medium-haul flights with Lufthansa since 2024.
The airline didn’t specify when free messaging will be available, but “summer” typically means late March for airlines. Lufthansa did not say which apps are included, beyond saying they would be “familiar apps.”
On the page dedicated to its FlyNet Internet service, Lufthansa says that free messaging on short- and medium-haul flights applies to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage. We can surmise those will be the apps included in long-haul free messaging, too. Lufthansa did not mention specifically texting on Android platforms, but those are likely included.
In the Lufthansa Group, Austrian Airlines and SWISS also offer free messaging on select long-haul flights.
Lufthansa’s Wi-Fi Pricing
The cost of inflight Wi-Fi on Lufthansa varies according to distance and differentiates between members of its Miles & More program that also have Travel ID, and passengers without either of those. (Travel ID is a single login that provides access to services of Lufthansa and all the airlines of the Lufthansa Group, in addition to Miles & More.)
The current pricing structure is as follows:
Short- and Medium-Haul Flights
Messaging:
- Travel ID and Miles & More members: free
- Other passengers: 3 euros or 1,000 miles
Premium Wi-Fi (suitable for surfing at up to 4 Mbps):
- Flights up to 90 minutes: 6 euros or 2,000 miles
- Flights more than 90 minutes: 8 euros or 2,600 miles
Long-Haul Flights
The pricing for long-haul Wi-Fi reflects how things stand now, before the introduction of free long-haul messaging, at least for Miles & More members with Travel ID.
Messaging: from 5 euros, $7, or 1,700 miles
Premium Wi-Fi (suitable for surfing at up to 4 Mbps):
- 2 hours: from 15 euros, $18, or 5,000 miles
- Full flight: from 25 euros, $27, or 8,300 miles
Miles & More does not have U.S. transfer partners, but there are many ways to book Lufthansa business class with points other than through the airline’s own loyalty program.
Final Thoughts
Good news for Lufthansa passengers on long-haul flights, which include many destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Beginning this summer, they will be able to send messages (including images) for free on the airline’s long-haul flights.
For some passengers, this might mean skipping payment for a full internet connection, which can be expensive.
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