Skip to content

You Can Now Rent a Wi-Fi Hotspot From an Airport Vending Machine

Dec. 14, 2016
2 min read
skyroamfeat
You Can Now Rent a Wi-Fi Hotspot From an Airport Vending Machine
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Skyroam is a great tool for travelers who want to stay connected when traveling abroad. Now, the company has unveiled vending machines in select airports across the US where you can easily rent the Wi-Fi hotspot so that you can stay online in over 100 countries.

The first machine is available to use at San Francisco (SFO), with others being rolled out in Houston (IAH) and Las Vegas (LAS) later this month. Skyroam has said that it has "additional locations planned at top international airports on the East Coast and elsewhere, but none that we can specifically mention at this moment."

A Skyroam vending machine in San Francisco (SFO).

Anyone passing through one of these airports can rent a hotspot for $9.95 a day. Once you've returned home, Skyroam provides you with a prepaid envelope in which you mail the device back. Previously, you could only purchase a hotspot for $124.99 plus the cost of Wi-Fi connectivity at $8 per day (Skyroam devices are currently on sale for $99.99). Renting could be a good way to save a few dollars when you have a quick trip abroad and want to be able to get online.

Wi-Fi hotspots provide a more straightforward internet experience as you don't have to deal with roaming charges, unlocked phones, security issues or purchasing local SIM cards. Skyroam's hotspot syncs with local carriers and allows secure Wi-Fi access on up to five devices simultaneously.

Have you spotted one of these Wi-Fi hotspot vending machines?

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app