Lufthansa, the German flag carrier, is set to roll out complimentary messaging on its European flights starting mid-January 2024. The move is part of the airline’s broader initiative to revamp its in-flight services, ensuring travelers stay connected at 35,000 feet above ground. Additionally, Lufthansa will slash prices on internet packages, making streaming and browsing more affordable for passengers.

The exciting news means that, in the next two months, passengers aboard Lufthansa’s WLAN-equipped Airbus A320 family aircraft traversing European skies will enjoy unlimited free messaging. This service enables travelers to stay in touch, sharing messages and photos seamlessly with friends, family, or colleagues throughout the flight. While internet packages won’t be entirely free, Lufthansa is set to reduce tariffs by almost 50% from mid-January.

Lufthansa Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Heiko Reitz, expressed the airline’s commitment to improving the travel experience, stating, “Lufthansa is investing around two billion Euros in product and service improvements. In the process, we have implemented and planned many large, medium, and also smaller initiatives that make traveling with Lufthansa an even better experience.” He emphasized the significance of free messaging, offering passengers the opportunity to connect above the clouds without additional charges.

To access this complimentary service, passengers can log in to Lufthansa’s FlyNet portal using their Miles & More service card number or an email address registered with the Lufthansa Group Travel ID. Alternatively, passengers can sign up or log in mid-flight.

While messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook will be free, passengers seeking to stream content and browse the internet will need to explore Lufthansa’s other products. The airline currently provides 30 minutes of free messaging on short and medium-haul flights for Miles & More members and Travel ID users, valid until December 31, 2023.

The new offering will be available exclusively on Lufthansa’s single-aisle Airbus A320 family aircraft, with approximately 180 planes in its fleet. However, it won’t extend to the widebody fleet operating longer routes.

With this move, Lufthansa aims to cater to passengers’ increasing demand for connectivity, acknowledging the importance of staying connected even at cruising altitudes.