In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected while flying has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Whether you need to catch up on work, stay in touch with loved ones, or simply enjoy some in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi has become an essential amenity for travelers. United Airlines understands this, and they’ve made significant strides to keep you connected in the skies. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about United Airlines Wi-Fi, including availability, pricing, how to connect, and frequently asked questions.
Wi-Fi Availability
United Airlines offers Wi-Fi on almost all of its mainline aircraft and two of its regional aircraft. However, the availability of Wi-Fi depends on several factors, including the route of your flight, the type of aircraft you’re on, and the service provider responsible for delivering the Wi-Fi service.
United Airlines collaborates with four Wi-Fi providers to ensure comprehensive coverage for its passengers. These providers are:
- Gogo: Gogo provides coverage within the continental United States, parts of Alaska, and Canada. You can find Gogo-equipped Wi-Fi on flights that include Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ-700, and Bombardier CRJ-550 aircraft.
- Panasonic: Panasonic offers global coverage and is available on a wide range of United Airlines aircraft, including Airbus 319, Airbus 320, Boeing 757-200, 757-300, 767-300ER, 767-400ER, 777-200, 777-200ER, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10.
- Thales: Thales provides limited coverage on select aircraft, so it’s essential to check whether your flight is equipped with Thales Wi-Fi before boarding.
- ViaSat: ViaSat’s coverage extends to the U.S. continental, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
In general, Wi-Fi is available on flights within the continental United States, as well as flights to near-international destinations like Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Some long-haul international flights also offer Wi-Fi depending on the aircraft.
To help passengers determine the availability of Wi-Fi on their specific flights, United Airlines provides a coverage map that shows Wi-Fi availability based on the flight route. However, please note that Wi-Fi availability is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan if you rely on a stable internet connection during your flight.
Pricing
United Airlines offers several paid options for in-flight Wi-Fi, and the cost may vary depending on factors such as the type of flight, your geographic location, and your MileagePlus membership status. Here’s a summary of the pricing options for United Airlines Wi-Fi:
Single Flight Passes
| Flight Type | MileagePlus Member Price | General Price |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic and short-haul international | $8 or 1,600 miles | $10 |
| Long-haul international | Varies by region | Varies by region |
Monthly Subscriptions
| Region | MileagePlus Member Price | General Price |
|---|---|---|
| North & Central America | $49/month or 7,500 miles/month | $49/month |
| Global | $69/month or 10,500 miles/month | $69/month |
Annual Subscriptions
| Region | MileagePlus Member Price | General Price |
|---|---|---|
| North & Central America | $539/year or 80,000 miles/year | $539/year |
| Global | $689/year or 100,000 miles/year | $689/year |
Passengers can purchase Wi-Fi plans at unitedwifi.com or during the booking process. It’s worth noting that once connected to Wi-Fi, passengers can access United’s app, in-flight entertainment options, and select messaging services for free. However, for access to other apps or websites, passengers will need to pay for Wi-Fi access.
MileagePlus members can enjoy the benefit of receiving 25% cashback for all United Wi-Fi subscriptions, making it a more cost-effective option for frequent travelers.
How to Connect To United Airlines Inflight Wi-Fi
Connecting to United Airlines Wi-Fi is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get online during your flight:
- Turn on Airplane Mode: Before attempting to connect to Wi-Fi, make sure your device is in Airplane Mode.
- Connect to “United_Wi-Fi”: From your device’s Wi-Fi settings, select the “United_Wi-Fi” network.
- Open a Browser: Launch your device’s web browser and type in unitedwifi.com in the address bar.
- Select a Plan: Once you’re on the United Wi-Fi portal, choose the Wi-Fi plan that suits your needs and follow the prompts to complete the purchase.
With these simple steps, you’ll be connected to United Airlines Wi-Fi and ready to enjoy a connected flight experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the Wi-Fi service last?
United Airlines offers Wi-Fi for the day rather than just for the duration of your flight. The service becomes active one hour before your flight and remains active for 24 hours, allowing you to enjoy connectivity even after your flight has landed.
2. Can I make video calls or use VOIP services while connected to United Wi-Fi?
No, United Airlines does not permit video call services or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services on any of its flights for the convenience and comfort of all passengers. This includes Zoom, Facetime and Teams calls.
3. Is there a coverage map to check Wi-Fi availability for my specific flight?
Yes, United Airlines provides a coverage map that allows you to check the availability of Wi-Fi based on the type of aircraft you’ll be flying on and your destination. You can access the coverage map on the United Airlines website.
4. Does United offer free Wi-Fi options?
T-Mobile customers can text to get 1 hour of free Wi-Fi on most United-operated flights. United also offers free access to its app, entertainment, and iMessage/WhatsApp.
5. How can I contact United regarding their Wi-Fi?
United Airlines offers several ways to contact their customer service for further queries.
- Phone: You can call United Airlines customer service at (800) 824-6200 if you are in the U.S. and Canada. If you are traveling from any other location in the world, you will need to contact United Airlines’ local service number.
- Email: You can also contact United Airlines customer service through email by filling out a form on their website.
If you need to contact United Airlines for further queries, you can use any of the above methods to get in touch with their customer service.
With Wi-Fi on most flights, United provides passengers with an easy way to stay connected inflight. Following this guide will help you make the most of United’s Wi-Fi services.