Get free inflight Internet access on China Southern flights

China Southern is trialling free inflight Internet on selected routes until October 29 2016 – among them are flights CZ301, CZ302, CZ325 and CZ326 between Sydney and Guangzhou, as well as flights CZ3112 and CZ3115 between Guangzhou and Beijing.

But to take advantage of the promotion you'll need to register at China Southern’s website before you fly.

That last part is critical – unlike most airlines which allow you to sign-up for the Internet mid-flight, China Southern requires an “application” to be made at least 24 hours before wheels-up.

Successful applicants are said to be all business class and first class flyers, along with the first 10 economy passengers who register on each flight: so you’ll want to get that application in sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.

To comply with Chinese Government regulations, you’ll need to keep your mobile phone switched off at all times during the journey – not merely in flight mode – instead using a tablet or laptop computer to browse the Web.

Websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and The New York Times may also be inaccessible due to blocking by ‘The Great Firewall of China’, even when the aircraft is flying outside of Chinese airspace.

Inflight Internet is not currently available on any other China Southern flights, including those to other Australian cities.

Also read: Which airlines offer inflight Internet access from Australia?

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.