Key Takeaways
• Lufthansa offers free unlimited messaging on all intercontinental flights starting June 4, 2025.
• Passengers access the service via FlyNet® portal using Miles & More or Travel ID login.
• Mastercard partners with Lufthansa to fund free messaging without extra passenger charges.
Lufthansa’s Free Messaging on Intercontinental Flights: What Passengers Need to Know
Lufthansa has taken a major step forward in making air travel more connected by launching free inflight messaging on all its intercontinental flights as of June 4, 2025. This move means that anyone flying long-haul with Lufthansa can now send and receive unlimited text messages and photos using popular messaging apps, without paying extra. The service is available to every passenger, no matter where they sit on the plane. This change is part of a larger plan by Lufthansa to improve digital services for travelers and keep up with the growing demand for inflight connectivity.
Let’s break down what this means for passengers, why Lufthansa made this change, how it works, and what it could mean for the future of flying.
What Is Lufthansa’s Free Messaging Service?
Lufthansa’s free messaging service lets passengers on all intercontinental flights send and receive unlimited text messages and photos using apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage. This service is available from the moment the plane reaches cruising altitude until it begins its descent, so travelers can stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues throughout their journey.
Key features include:
- Unlimited text messaging through popular apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage)
- Ability to send and receive photos with no restrictions
- Works on smartphones and tablets
- Available for the entire flight duration
- Open to all passengers, regardless of travel class
This means that whether you’re flying in economy, business, or first class, you get the same access to free messaging.
How Do Passengers Access Free Messaging?
To use the free messaging service, passengers need to log in to the FlyNet® onboard portal. This is Lufthansa’s inflight Wi-Fi system. You can log in using:
- Your Miles & More service card number (Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program)
- An email address registered with a Lufthansa Group Travel ID
If you don’t have either of these, Lufthansa has made it easy to sign up during your flight. You can register for a Travel ID or Miles & More account while onboard, so no one is left out.
Step-by-step guide:
- Connect your device (smartphone or tablet) to the FlyNet® Wi-Fi network once the plane is at cruising altitude.
- Open your web browser and go to the FlyNet® portal page.
- Log in using your Miles & More number or Travel ID email. If you don’t have one, follow the instructions to register.
- Start messaging using your favorite app.
It’s important to note that this free service is only for messaging apps. If you want to browse the web, check email, or stream videos, you’ll need to buy a full FlyNet® internet package.
Why Did Lufthansa Launch Free Messaging on Intercontinental Flights?
Lufthansa’s decision to offer free messaging on all long-haul flights is part of a larger strategy to improve the travel experience and meet customer expectations. In today’s world, people expect to stay connected wherever they go, even at 35,000 feet. For many, being able to send a quick message or photo during a long flight is not just a luxury—it’s a basic need.
Executive statements highlight this focus:
- Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said:
“The introduction of free messaging on long-haul flights is another important step in continuously improving our customers’ overall travel experience. We will continue to focus our efforts on services that are highly relevant to our customers.” - Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer at Lufthansa Airlines, added:
“Being reachable even during a long flight has long been a basic need and a decisive factor when choosing an airline. Free messages, as well as in-flight internet, for example, therefore offer a portfolio of digital services that is very attractive to our customers.”
These comments show that Lufthansa sees digital connectivity as a key reason why people choose one airline over another. By making messaging free for everyone, Lufthansa hopes to stand out in a crowded market.
Who Pays for the Free Messaging?
Offering free messaging to every passenger on every intercontinental flight is a big investment. Lufthansa has partnered with Mastercard to help cover the costs. This partnership is important because it allows Lufthansa to provide the service without charging passengers directly. Mastercard’s support is part of a growing trend where companies team up to offer better services to travelers.
This model—where a third party helps pay for passenger benefits—could become more common in the airline industry, especially as travelers expect more for less.
How Does This Affect Other Lufthansa Group Airlines?
Lufthansa is not the only airline in its group to offer free messaging. The Lufthansa Group includes several airlines, and the free messaging service is being rolled out across many of them:
- SWISS and Austrian Airlines: Free messaging is available on selected long-haul flights.
- Discover Airlines: Will start offering free messaging on long-haul flights from summer 2025.
- Short and medium-haul flights: Free messaging has been available on Lufthansa and many Austrian Airlines flights since 2024.
This approach shows that the Lufthansa Group wants to give passengers a similar experience, no matter which of its airlines they fly with. It also puts pressure on other airlines to keep up.
What Are the Benefits for Passengers?
The new free messaging service brings several clear benefits:
- Stay connected: Passengers can keep in touch with loved ones, friends, and work contacts during long flights.
- No extra cost: Messaging is free for everyone, regardless of ticket type.
- No class restrictions: Economy passengers get the same access as those in business or first class.
- Easy access: Simple login process, with the option to register onboard if needed.
For many travelers, especially those on long journeys, being able to send a quick update or photo can make the flight feel shorter and less isolating.
Are There Any Limitations?
While the free messaging service is a big step forward, there are some limits to keep in mind:
- Messaging only: The free service covers only messaging apps. If you want to browse the internet, check email, or stream content, you’ll need to buy a FlyNet® internet package.
- No voice or video calls: The service does not support voice or video calls through messaging apps.
- Device compatibility: The service works on smartphones and tablets, but not all other devices.
These limits are common in the airline industry, as full internet access uses much more bandwidth and costs more to provide.
How Does Lufthansa’s Service Compare to Other Airlines?
Lufthansa’s move to offer free messaging on all intercontinental flights puts it among a small but growing group of airlines that see inflight connectivity as a basic service. Some other major airlines have started to offer free messaging or even free Wi-Fi, but many still charge for these services, especially on long-haul routes.
By making messaging free for everyone, Lufthansa is setting a new standard that other airlines may feel pressure to match. This could lead to more airlines offering similar services in the future.
Timeline: How Did Lufthansa Roll Out Free Messaging?
Lufthansa’s free messaging service didn’t appear overnight. It was rolled out in stages:
- Early 2024: Free messaging launched on all short and medium-haul flights operated by Airbus A320-family aircraft.
- January 23, 2025: Lufthansa announced plans to extend free messaging to intercontinental flights starting in summer 2025.
- March 12, 2025: More details were released, confirming the summer launch.
- April 15, 2025: Discover Airlines announced it would follow Lufthansa’s lead.
- June 3-4, 2025: Free messaging officially activated on all Lufthansa long-haul flights.
This careful, step-by-step approach allowed Lufthansa to test the service, fix any problems, and make sure it worked well before rolling it out to all long-haul flights.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Inflight Connectivity?
Lufthansa’s decision to offer free messaging on all flights is part of a bigger trend in the airline industry. More and more, passengers expect to stay connected while flying, and airlines are responding by investing in better inflight Wi-Fi and digital services.
Industry experts believe:
- Basic connectivity (like messaging) will become standard on most airlines, especially for long-haul flights.
- Premium services (like full internet access) may still cost extra, but prices could come down as technology improves.
- Partnerships (like Lufthansa’s with Mastercard) will help airlines cover the costs of these services.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, airlines that offer free messaging or Wi-Fi are likely to attract more business and leisure travelers who need to stay connected for work or personal reasons. This could give them an edge over competitors who still charge for these services.
What Should Passengers Do to Prepare?
If you’re flying with Lufthansa on an intercontinental route, here’s what you can do to make the most of the free messaging service:
- Update your messaging apps before your flight to make sure they work smoothly.
- Register for a Miles & More account or Lufthansa Group Travel ID before your trip, or be ready to sign up onboard.
- Bring your smartphone or tablet and make sure it’s fully charged.
- Remember the limits: Messaging is free, but web browsing and other internet use require a paid package.
For more information about Lufthansa’s inflight Wi-Fi and digital services, you can visit the official Lufthansa FlyNet® page.
What Are the Implications for Different Groups?
For Immigrants and International Travelers
For people traveling between countries—whether for work, study, or to visit family—being able to stay in touch during long flights is especially important. Free messaging can help immigrants and international travelers:
- Coordinate with family or friends about arrival times and pickup plans
- Stay connected with employers or schools during long journeys
- Share updates and photos with loved ones in real time
For Business Travelers
Business travelers often need to stay in touch with colleagues or clients, even while flying. Free messaging allows them to:
- Send quick updates or answer urgent questions
- Coordinate meetings or travel plans while in the air
- Reduce the need for expensive inflight internet packages if only messaging is needed
For Families and Leisure Travelers
Families traveling together or apart can use free messaging to:
- Check in with each other during the flight
- Share travel experiences with friends back home
- Keep children entertained by letting them message friends or relatives
What’s Next for Lufthansa and the Airline Industry?
Lufthansa’s move is likely just the beginning. As more airlines see the value in offering free basic connectivity, passengers can expect:
- More airlines offering free messaging or Wi-Fi
- Better inflight digital services across all travel classes
- Lower prices for premium internet packages as competition increases
This shift could make air travel more comfortable and less stressful, especially for those who need to stay connected for personal or professional reasons.
Conclusion: A New Era of Connected Air Travel
Lufthansa’s launch of free messaging on all intercontinental flights marks a big change in how airlines think about inflight connectivity. By making it easy and free for everyone to stay in touch, Lufthansa is responding to what travelers want most: the ability to connect with the world, even while flying across oceans.
This move is likely to push other airlines to improve their own digital services, leading to a future where staying connected in the air is as normal as it is on the ground. For passengers, this means more choices, better experiences, and fewer barriers to communication—no matter where they’re flying.
For more details on Lufthansa’s inflight services and to check if your flight offers free messaging, visit the official Lufthansa FlyNet® page. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that as airlines continue to compete on digital services, passengers will see even more improvements in the years ahead.
Learn Today
FlyNet® → Lufthansa’s inflight Wi-Fi system providing internet and messaging services to passengers during flights.
Intercontinental flights → Long-haul flights that cross continents, typically lasting several hours or more.
Miles & More → Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program allowing passengers to earn and use travel rewards status.
Travel ID → A Lufthansa Group registered email account enabling passenger access to inflight digital services.
Mastercard partnership → A collaboration where Mastercard helps fund inflight free messaging to avoid direct passenger fees.
This Article in a Nutshell
Lufthansa launches free messaging on intercontinental flights from June 2025, letting all passengers send unlimited texts and photos via popular apps, enhancing inflight connectivity. This service, available to every traveler regardless of class, is accessed through FlyNet® portal, marking a significant shift in digital air travel experience worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
