Wi-Fi on board KLM: a guide to the three proposed packages and costs
In this day and age, it is crucial to ensure that your passengers have fast Wi-Fi on board. Staying connected is crucial for [...]
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In this day and age, it is essential to ensure that its passengers have a fast network Wi-Fi on board. Staying connected is crucial for business purposes, to entertain your children, as well as to be able to better organize the last stages of your trip. There are a variety of airlines that offer this service, here you will find a complete guide to onboard Wi-Fi.
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KLM decided to upgrade its aircraft and make fast connection available on a large number of Boeing 737, operating on routes in Europe. A very important step forward for the company, which incredibly increases the type of service offered on board.
A process that began on April 22, with the Boeing 737-800 the first aircraft equipped with this technology. A project carried out through collaboration with Viasat, whose instrumentation will be on board as many as 18 aircraft by the 2021 deadline.
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Wi-Fi on KLM, three packages
As much as Wi-Fi is guaranteed on board European flights of KLM, some clarifications need to be made. Indeed, the famous carrier has divided such a system into three packages from which to choose:
- Messaging: passengers can send and receive messages through all apps that allow such operation. From WhatApp to Messenger, from Telegram to WeChat
- Surf: allows you to freely browse the web, accessing all sorts of sites and apps of your favorite social media
- Stream: allows online video playback
Did you get your flight cancelled, miss your connection, land late?
You could get up to 600€ compensation per person
To have Wi-Fi on board KLM almost always requires paying a fee, except for the "Messaging" package. It will always be possible, then, to send messages during the routes traveled. This is no small convenience, considering the frequent difficulties in coordinating arrivals with friends and loved ones, as well as warning of any delays. A particularly difficult issue when it comes to getting in touch with the owners of a facility at which one intends to stay.
On the other hand, the "Surf" and "Stream" packages, which can be purchased through the KLM portal, where you can also upgrade your choice in case you want to add the video option to your surfing one, are chargeable.
Wi-Fi on board: the costs
KLM specifies that aircraft in its fleet equipped with the free navigation service will clearly display the Wi-Fi symbol inside the cockpit. This means that connectivity will be available to everyone as soon as you take your seat.
Once you have logged in, the carrier's portal will automatically open on your device. Here you will be able to book your preferred type of connection from those previously described. To date, KLM has not yet provided details regarding costs of "Surf" and Stream." It is certain, however, that Messaging is and will remain free.
Looking back, it is possible to speculate on the kind of cost management the company intends to pursue. In 2013, a project was initiated with Air France for in-flight connectivity. At the time, a dual fare schedule was proposed: 10.95 euros for 1 hour and 19.95 for the entire flight.
A decidedly low price range, increased in the following years. In 2019, there was renewed talk of the in-flight Wi-Fi project, with the company intent on upgrading its aircraft by the end of 2021, at least those engaged in long-haul routes.
At the time, some rates (which could be updated today):
- Messaging: free : free
- Surf: 8 euros for 1 hour, 18 euros for the whole flight
- Stream: 30 euros for the entire flight
