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United Airlines Wi-Fi Guide

United Airlines Wi-Fi Guide

Staying connected in the air has never been easier! United Airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi, so you can browse, stream, and stay productive while flying. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about United Airlines Wi-Fi, pricing, features, subscriptions, and the new Starlink-powered Wi-Fi coming soon.

United Airlines Wi-Fi

United Airlines provides in-flight Wi-Fi on most of its flights, letting passengers use their phones, tablets, and laptops to stay connected. Whether you want to send messages, work, or just scroll through social media, United has you covered.

Using Wi-Fi

Connecting to United Wi-Fi is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Turn on Airplane Mode on your device after boarding.
  2. Connect to the "United_Wi-Fi" network.
  3. Open your browser and go to unitedwifi.com.
  4. Pay with a credit card or miles, or log in if you have a subscription.

United Airlines Wi-Fi is available on select flights and gives you free messaging and entertainment. United Airlines in-flight Wi-Fi screen.

Pricing

United offers flexible Wi-Fi pricing:

  • Domestic/Short-Haul Flights: $8 (or 800 miles) for MileagePlus members, $10 for others.
  • Other Flights: Pricing varies based on flight length and route.

T-Mobile Customers: Unlimited free Wi-Fi on domestic and international flights.

Benefits of United Wi-Fi

Here’s what you can do with United Wi-Fi:

  • Free Messaging: Use apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Google Messages for free.
  • Surf and Stream: Browse the web, check emails, or even stream videos on select flights.
  • Stay Social: Post on Instagram, tweet, or scroll through Facebook.

Even without paying, you can access united.com, the United app, and free entertainment options.

How to Get and Use United Wi-Fi

Flights with Wi-Fi

United uses 4 Wi-Fi companies to bring in-flight Wi-Fi: GoGo, Panasonic, Thales, and ViaSat (with Starlink coming soon). Wi-Fi availability depends on your route, aircraft type, and service provider. Check your flight details beforehand to confirm Wi-Fi availability, but United has Wi-Fi coverage maps you can view.

United Airlines Wi-Fi coverage map for Panasonic. Panasonic's Wi-Fi coverage map for United flights.

United Airlines Wi-Fi Day Pass

MileagePlus members can purchase a Wi-Fi Day Pass for their entire trip. It’s perfect if you have multiple flights within 24 hours.

How to Use the Wi-Fi Day Pass

  1. Connect to the United_Wi-Fi network.
  2. Visit unitedwifi.com.
  3. Log in with your MileagePlus account.
  4. Follow the instructions to activate the pass.

Your pass starts one hour before your first flight and lasts for 24 hours.

Wi-Fi Subscriptions

For frequent travelers, United offers monthly and yearly Wi-Fi subscriptions starting at $49/month or 7,500 miles.

How to Buy a Wi-Fi Subscription

  1. Choose your region: North America/Central America or Global.
  2. Pay with a credit card or MileagePlus miles.
  3. Connect on your next flight by visiting unitedwifi.com and logging in with your MileagePlus account.

Bonus for MileagePlus Cardholders: Get 25% back on all Wi-Fi purchases!

T-Mobile Free Wi-Fi

If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you get free in-flight Wi-Fi on United flights. You get unlimited 1-hour Wi-Fi passes, but only get 4 full-flight Wi-Fi passes per calendar year. I'd recommend saving the full flight passes for long transcontinental or international flights.

Lufthansa Airlines business class has an old and outdated interior. T-Mobile customers get free access to in-flight Wi-Fi on United Airlines

How Do I Connect to T-Mobile Wi-Fi on My Flight?

  1. Turn on Airplane Mode and connect to United_Wi-Fi.
  2. Visit unitedwifi.com.
  3. Follow the prompts to activate T-Mobile’s free Wi-Fi access.

You'll have to enter your cellphone number in order to get connected to the free T-Mobile Wi-Fi.

Starlink Wi-Fi on United Flights

United is teaming up with Starlink to bring faster, free Wi-Fi powered by low-orbit satellites.

When Will Starlink Wi-Fi Be Available on United Flights?

Testing begins in 2025, with full deployment expected later that year.

What Can I Do With Starlink Wi-Fi?

You’ll enjoy ground-level internet speeds for streaming, gaming, shopping, and more.

Will Starlink Wi-Fi Be Available on All United Flights?

Yes, Starlink Wi-Fi will roll out across United’s fleet over the next few years.

FAQs About United Airlines Wi-Fi

Can You Buy Wi-Fi on United Airlines?

Yes! You can buy Wi-Fi per flight, get a day pass, or subscribe monthly.

How Does United Airlines Wi-Fi Work?

United Wi-Fi connects your device to a satellite network, letting you browse the internet mid-flight.

Can I Share My United Airlines Wi-Fi Subscription?

No, subscriptions are tied to your MileagePlus account and cannot be shared.

When Can I Start Accessing United Airlines Wi-Fi?

You can connect after boarding and activating Airplane Mode.

Can I Switch United Airlines Wi-Fi Between Devices?

Yes, you can switch devices during your flight.

Can I Stream Video on United Airlines Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can stream videos on flights with enhanced connectivity.

Can I Access a VPN on United Airlines Wi-Fi?

Yes, VPN connections are supported.

Can I Make Calls on United Airlines Wi-Fi?

No, in-flight calling is not allowed.

Final Thoughts

United Airlines makes it easy to stay connected while flying, whether you need Wi-Fi for work, messaging, or entertainment. With options like day passes, subscriptions, and free T-Mobile access, United ensures there’s a plan for every traveler. Plus, with Starlink Wi-Fi coming soon, the in-flight internet experience is about to get even better!

Safe travels and happy browsing!