Skip Navigation
Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson - Derek Thompson is a senior editor at The Atlantic, where he oversees business coverage for the website.
More

He is a visiting research fellow at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget at the New America Foundation. Derek has also written for Slate, BusinessWeek, and the Daily Beast. He has appeared as a guest on radio and television networks, including NPR, the BBC, CNBC, and MSNBC.

How to Get Free WiFi in Airports on the Holidays

By Derek Thompson
Nov 10 2009, 10:39 AM ET Comment

For many holiday travelers, an hour-long wait at the airport presents a critical choice: a couple grande white chocolate lattes or $10-a-day WiFi access? (At least, that's my choice.) This year the (er, my) choice is simple. Google announced that it is giving away free WiFi access in 47 airports until mid-January 2010. Lifehacker reports that users can log in for free, bypass a couple invitations to try out Google Chrome, and browse for free through the inevitable snow delays.

But wait! Some key cities -- including Chicago, New York and Washington, DC -- aren't on the list. Is there another way to finagle free Internet from the terminal?



Yes, says Lifehacker's servicey team. Microsoft Bing is teaming with JiWire to offer free WiFi in nationwide hotels and airports in exchange for one Bing search. Sounds easy! Media Post reports that "JiWire works with between 60% and 70% of all North American passenger airline services and hotel chains." JiWire's venues include New York's JFK, Chicago's Midway and O'Hare airports, and Washington Dulles.

Imagine. Microsoft and Google, competing joining hands to bring you free WiFi in terminals across the country. I love it when capitalism gets into the holiday spirit.
Presented by

More at The Atlantic

The Global Dangers of Syria's Looming Civil War The Global Dangers of Syria's Looming Civil War
A Western Diet High in Sugars and Fat Could Contribute to ADHD A Sugary, Fatty Western Diet Could Be Contributing to ADHD
Why Does Maine Have a Two-and-a-Half-Month Caucus? Mitt Romney Wins Maine's Two-and-a-Half-Month Caucus
The Agony of Nabeel Rajab The Plight of Bahrain's Activist Leader
Who Are the Real 'Freeloaders': The Poor or the Old? Who Are America's Real 'Freeloaders'?

Join the Discussion

After you comment, click Post. If you’re not already logged in you will be asked to log in or register.
blog comments powered by Disqus
Special Report
The Civil War National Portrait Gallery The Civil War
A 150th-anniversary commemorative issue, with Atlantic work by Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and others. Read more ›
View All Correspondents

The Biggest Story in Photos

The Civil War, Part 3: The Stereographs

Feb 10, 2012

Subscribe Now

SAVE 59%! 10 issues JUST $2.45 PER COPY

Facebook

Newsletters

Sign up to receive our free newsletters

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)