The list of passwords in this post is now in app form, WiFox is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Arriving at an airport without free wireless – or the even more frustrating free-if-you’ve-got-a-local-number and email access (no I don’t, I’m traveling dammit!) – makes it seem like you’re flying around the world in 1999. First, avoid the initial shock of being subjected to a layover without wifi by checking whether or not your connecting airports offer free wireless. Now that you know, for better or for worse, it’s time to prepare yourself digitally and physical to get online on your down time.
The popular location-based social network foursquare (where you can find me as well) is primarily used through its mobile app, however the web-based version is full of searchable tips from users. To track down a wireless password of an airport, Google something like “foursquare Ataturk Airport.” On the resulting page, scroll down and do a quick search for “wireless” or similar terms. That should give you a list of any wireless passwords in the airport and exactly where to find them.
Similarly, tablet users can use WiFox to get passwords and connection information in airports around the world.
Some Airport Wireless And Lounge Passwords Provided By You (Updated Regularly: September 2016)
When I asked on Facebook and Twitter what passwords have your picked up at airports around the world on your travels, several of you happily emailed me how you recently got online at these locations.
The list of passwords in this post (plus hundreds more) is now in app form, WiFox is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Those of you who happen to come across any other airport or lounge wifi passwords, I would appreciate you leaving them in the comments below or emailing me with the information. I’ll update this list and you’ll be earning Internet karma from all of the other travelers you helped get online.
Some Low-Tech Hacks
As many of the passwords and tips above suggest, in airports without free wireless for the public, sitting right outside of the airline lounge doors are a good bet for finding an open connection. Lounge signals tend not to extend far beyond the walls so you should increase your wireless range by sitting in the ideal spot for reception.
Although there are more involved ways to hack airport wireless networks, before you get your hands dirty you can attempt to weave your ways around pay-walls like Boingo with a simple URL hack.
Try adding “?.jpg” at the end of any web address you want to access; if it works and you’ll be at that airport again, download the Firefox extension Greasemonkey, load this script, and your web browser will automatically add ?.jpg to the end of all URLs.
Lastly, despite your best efforts, when you’ve landed unprepared, a quick check with previously mentioned NetStumbler may uncover open, but hidden airline or maintenance networks to hop on.
These are just some ways to get online at airports lacking free wireless – have any other creative ways to get wifi at airports around the world? Let me know in the comments below!