Nope, don't use it.  Don't trust it.  I have verizon wifi on the go.

Annie, 

Our hot spot works great most of the time.  And there is always Starbuck as Debbie Gartner pointed out.  A

I usually find that coffee shops are always good, needless to say Malls have surprised me, Endre

Annie Adjchavanich I use my T-mobile service that I can tether for wi-fi on my laptop....

There are a lot of free networks out there right now. 

I do a lot of traveling and have been logging on to public sometimes not so public wifis for quite some time.

Most hotels are good

some restaruants are good, others try to monetize this and the hoops that you jump through here are not worth it.

Some coffee shops are great, others try to monetize the connection.

Those who try to monetize their wifi connection lose my business for food and coffee too, a big mistake when we are on a month long project in the area.

Most times though, I am glad that I have a hotspot function built into my phone.

My biggest surprise was discovering my personal hot spot actually worked!

coffee shops

I do not use unsecured wifi, I have a secure personal hotspot that I can use anytime, anywhere.

Lots and lots of places have free wi-fi these days, just drive around and watch your device search and see how many it finds. Quality of signal, on on the other hand and as you've seen, is quite often lacking.

Security would also be a huge concern for me - avoid open networks: if I don't need a password, I don't use it. That's why I specifically got my iPad with cellular capability (and bonus, it was only $10/mo to add it to our phone data plan), so that I don't have to rely upon other people's / business's wi-fi.  

Tammy Lankford, nailed this one...

I don't use public/free wifi - that's a virus waiting to happen

The fast food restaurants are usually a good selection.

I've heard mixed signals about using free wi-fi

My iPhone service is set up so no matter where I have service (nost places I have been) I can access my iPad or use my iPhone as a hotspot for my laptop. Love it.

I've heard the WifiMapper app will help you find Wifi. It was only IOS but there may be Android now.

Starbucks works, of course, and they are everywhere it seems...provided you can find a seat!

I use Starbucks all the time (and another small local chain).  I also will go to Panera occasionally, but they only allow 30 mins during lunch, so they lose a lot of my business.  There are some pizza places I used and Chop'd (the salad chain).  I choose my spots between appts based on whether they have wifi.

I will occasionally use a McDonalds or Panera Bread or Starbucks wifi. Otherwise I use my own data and purchase more so I have plenty and can piggyback my computers.

Besides title companies where I close,  or peoples homes I know I am scared to sign on to any Wifi.

Starbucks

I've never trusted it, so I don't use it for anything of importance.  I've found that most stores and restaurants are offering it now as well as some cities and neighborhoods.  I use my own cell service if needed, or I VPN somewhere first (although devices like the Pineapple can do a man in the middle and compromise your VPN session).

At Tire Kingdom locations!

Try wireless or order a SIM card. 

I have a wireless hot spot that I carry with him.  Currently AT&T, I have used Verizon.

In a pinch, I will use Taco Bell or Panera or wherever else I can get a signal, but that is very risky.

starbucks

I am fortunate to have cox hot spot in my area.

I carry a Verizon Jet Pack, so I create my own Wifi everywhere I go. I never use public Wifi, except for my office.

Thanks 

Annie Adjchavanich Too much liability with free Wi-Fi. I use Verizon where they have identified hot spots around town or just turn on the Internet connection.

Wifi is more commonly available in our neighbouring country than in our great land.

To find anything free & decent is a plus. Internet connection should be free everywhere and all the time as it is here to stay and constantly growing

I'm in agreement with Tammy Lankford,  I don't use public WiFi.  Have Verizon MiFi for the laptop.  I have a large data package so never worry about overage costs.

Quite frankly, have never really paid attention to this issue.

Depends on your area but it seems that the millennials know.

I can connect my laptop to my iphone and use it anywhere. I'm not a fan of public wifi. 

I'm with Patricia Kennedy ..it can work!

There are several deli's and bookstores in our area with good wi-fi.