Wi-Fi security · Plain-English answer
Airport Wi-Fi is a large open network shared by thousands of strangers, which makes it a natural target for fake hotspots with plausible names. The genuine network is usually fine for browsing thanks to HTTPS, but verify the official network name, be careful on captive portals, and prefer encrypted connections.
Airports concentrate exactly what attackers want: thousands of distracted people, many travelling on business, all hunting for a connection. The headline risk is not the official network itself but imposters alongside it, since nothing stops anyone broadcasting a hotspot named after the airport from a seat in departures.
The genuine network carries its own quieter issues. It is open, so your device's traffic metadata is visible to the operator and potentially to others, and the captive portals often want your email and travel details for marketing.
Check the official network name on airport signage rather than picking the strongest signal with a plausible name. Give the portal a minimal or secondary email address, then connect a VPN before opening anything that matters, so your browsing is sealed against the network and anyone impersonating it.
If you have mobile data or roaming, tethering your laptop to your phone skips airport Wi-Fi entirely and is the simplest secure option for short waits. For long layovers where you want the Wi-Fi, the VPN plus name check routine covers the meaningful risks.
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