United Airlines knows which way the wind is blowing. Not just in the air, but with what their customers require. They were among the first to offer in-flight WiFi, and continue to be on the leading edge of major airlines in providing this service. United Airlines WiFi lets you keep in touch with your work, your friends, and your last-minute travel details while you’re in the air.
United Airlines WiFi: The Basics
United Airlines uses four different WiFi coverage providers, each with their own distinct aspects.
- Gogo Wireless for flights using Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ-700, and some Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
- Panasonic for flights using Airbus 319, Airbus 320, some Boeing 757-200 and 757-300, and Boeing 767-300ER & 400ER, 777-200, 200ER & 300 ER, and 787-8&9 aircraft.
- Thales for flights using 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, and some 757-300 aircraft.
- Viasat for flights on Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
You can always confirm during booking which kind of airplane your flight is on, so you’ll know which wireless service you’ll be using.
United Airlines WiFi: Pricing
Single-flight WiFi option pricing varies widely based on duration of your flight and which provider you happen to be using. Generally expect to pay between $7 and $14 dollars for a one-hour pass, and between $19 and $29 for a full-day pass.
United offers subscription plans for frequent fliers, offering unlimited access at the following prices:
- North and Central America Only: $49/month or $539 for the year.
- Global: $69/month of $689 for the year.
You can also use your miles to purchase the subscription plans. A year of global coverage costs 100,000 miles, with a year of North and Central America access going for 80,000 miles. Monthly plans cost 7,500 and 10,500 miles, respectively.
United Airlines WiFi: Logging In
Although United uses several different providers, they make it easy on you with a single, unified connection method regardless of which airplane you’re on:
- Access the wireless network settings for your device.
- Select “United_Wi-Fi” for your network.
- Launch your browser. It should automatically redirect you to the portal. If not, navigate to www.unitedwifi.com.
- Purchase an internet access plan.
Even without buying a plan, you can use www.unitedwifi.com to check flight status, purchase tickets, and get information about your connecting flight, all free of charge.
United Airlines WiFi: Important Notes
United Airlines allows access to most functions. However, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), voice calls, and video calls are prohibited. Further, only flights on the 737 MAX, with the ViaSat provider, support streaming video.
