Image Credit: Stephanie Ervin

Have you tried to use WiFi at an airport recently?

Five years ago, many airports signed contracts with private WiFi providers, which meant there were very few options for free WiFi at airports.

While it was a lucrative revenue stream for the airports, it was hardly passenger friendly.

So many complaints were received that many city airport commissions ended the contracts or didn’t renew them, and more and more airports then offered unlimited free WiFi.

Well, that may be changing again.

By next year, that free airport WiFi offered around the world will drop to 54 percent from 74 percent worldwide as airports are once again trying to monetize your time.

What does this mean to you?

Free WiFi will be harder and harder to find at a growing number of airports, but you can still find it through many airport concessionaires such as coffee shops and other retailers.

In many cases, you may have to ask if they have it, since not all of them volunteer the information that they offer WiFi.

Because space is often limited, you may find yourself camped on the floor with your laptop, but at least the WiFi will be free.

For more information about traveling through airports, check out:

• Tricks for Finding WiFi at Airports
• Airports Add More Attractions to Keep You Entertained
• Using Public Transportation to Get to the Airport

Keep reading for more travel tips.