Having access to the internet while traveling is no longer a luxury but a vital tool in staying connected to your family and friends. It can also be the best way to while away the hours while waiting for your flight, not to mention being able to catch up on some work in the downtime. Public access to the internet at airports can be hit-and-miss, especially if you want to do it for free.

Does your home airport have fast Wi-Fi? Find out by taking a look at the latest list of Wi-Fi speeds at some of the busiest airports in the world during Q1 2022. https://t.co/078SyuDngt

— Speedtest by Ookla (@Speedtest) May 18, 2022

With this in mind, tech company Ookla, the maker of the SpeedTest app, has published a helpful list of the best airports in the United States for free internet. Here's what you need to know.

WiFi technology continues to improve

The speed of a WiFi network is measured using two metrics: upload speed and download speed. Upload speed refers to how fast your device can transmit data across a network, while download speed refers to how fast your machine can receive data.

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The Ookla speed test app is available at the Google Playstore. Photo: Ookla

WiFi is measured in millions of bits per second (Mbps), and somewhat surprisingly, the USA only ranks 26th in the world when it comes to WiFi network speed. However, the good news is that airport WiFi technology has continued to improve over the past couple of years, despite a decrease in passengers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some airports have also introduced 5G but have restricted the C-Band because its signal could interfere with the instruments in some aircraft.

Four US airports topped the list

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SFO has the fastest free WiFi. Photo: Håkan Dahlström via Flickr.

In preparation for the busy summer travel season, Ookla tested WiFi speed at airports worldwide. In its list published on May 18, 2022, Ookla names four airports in the United States as taking the top four spots. Not surprisingly, all four airports listed below are major international hubs through which thousands of passengers pass each day. The top four US airports for free internet speed are:

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with a median upload and download speed of 176.25 Mbps
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with a median upload and download speed of 171.01 Mbps
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a median upload and download speed of 113.64 Mbps
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a median upload and download speed of 85.49 Mbps

Other United States airports also worth a mention are Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Denver International Airport (DEN), all of which had a median upload and download speed of 50 Mbps. It is also worth noting that upload speeds were excellent, meaning that you should have no problem posting Instagram photos or making video calls on Skype or Zoom.

For faster speeds head to a lounge

Be aware that some airports in the USA have multiple WiFi networks so if you are experiencing slow speeds, look to connect to another network. Head to an airport lounge if you need a super-fast internet connection, as there will be fewer users and the speed of the network may well be higher. In many instances, Ookla found that airport lounges like United Club in Chicago at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offered median upload and download speeds of 246.17 Mbps, much faster than the airport's free network.

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If you want fast Internet head to an airport lounge. Photo: American Airlines

Having fast, unrestricted internet when traveling can be a godsend but don't forget to pack a portable charger and maybe even a power bank if you are going on a long trip.