Skype giving away free holiday Wi-Fi at select U.S. airports

The company will provide free Wi-Fi at more than 50 airports across the U.S. for holiday travelers who want to reach out to family and friends.

by Lance Whitney

December 20, 2011 9:19 AM PST Follow @lancewhit

(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET)

Travelers stuck at the airport during the holidays will find at least one free gift, courtesy of Skype.

The IP-based calling service is offering free Wi-Fi at more than 50 airports across the U.S. from December 21 though December 27. People traveling through any of the select airports will be able to log on to a Skype Wi-Fi connection via their PC, Mac, or Apple iOS device to make a video or voice call.

The gift package includes airports in some of the country's major hubs, such as Atlanta; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Miami; Chicago; San Francisco; and New York City, with all the airports displayed on a map in a recent Skype blog post.

(Credit: Skype)

Skype users can tap in to the free Wi-Fi via the following steps:

Sign in to Skype.
Go to Tools | Options | Skype Wi-Fi Access.
Click the check box to Enable Skype Wi-Fi Access.
Connect to a Wi-Fi public hot spot.
In the Skype menu bar, click Tools | Skype Wi-Fi Access.
Follow the instructions to join a compatible public Wi-Fi network.

The free Wi-Fi can come in handy, especially around the holidays. Though more airports have been adding Wi-Fi coverage, some offer it only in certain terminals or specific areas.