United was one of the first airlines to provide Wi-Fi on their flights. This service helps you complete your work and connect with colleagues and friends even when flying up in the clouds. United does not have a uniform Wi-Fi provider and uses a variety of network providers on different types of flights, but their pricing is relatively consistent. They even have subscription plans for frequent flyers. This article is a complete guide to the Wi-Fi services on United airlines and how you can connect to it. Let’s Know How Do You Connect To United Inflight Wi-Fi.
Connecting to the in-flight Wi-Fi contains four easy steps. These steps do not change according to the service provider in the flight. The steps are:
- Turn on Wi-Fi on your device.
- Select the “United Wi-Fi” network. You will be redirected to unitedwifi.com.
- On the landing page, purchase internet access. You can also access the complimentary streaming service offered by United.
- One device is now connected to the internet. You can switch devices using the landing page if you sign in using your MileagePlus account when paying for the Wi-Fi service.
What is the in-flight Wi-Fi provided by United Airlines?
United Airlines provides in-flight Wi-Fi on most of its flights. The service provider depends on your flight type. You can check your flight type while booking your ticket and determine the Wi-Fi provider. They have four service providers, Gogo Wireless, Panasonic, Thales, and Viasat, each with different factors. The average download speed of United’s inflight Wi-Fi is 600kbps, and the average upload speed is 300kbps. This service does not allow voice calls, video calls, and Voice over the Internet.
What are the prices for using in-flight Wi-Fi?
The prices for Wi-Fi vary from one flight to another, and they are not published ahead of time. Various factors affect these prices. The duration of your flight and the route are such factors. United uses four different Wi-Fi providers for separate flights, but the pricing is consistent. They have three plans: a one-hour plan, a two-hour plan, and a full flight plan. You have unlimited access to the internet for the duration of the plan. Hourly plans cost around $14, and the full-day plan costs approximately $19. United Explorer Card holders enjoy discounted rates while connecting to the Wi-Fi. You can even redeem your MileagePlus points against purchasing a Wi-Fi plan. Frequent flyers have separate subscription plans. These cost around $49 monthly in the US and $69 globally. Similarly, the yearly pricing is $539 in the US and $689 globally.
Can I stream videos on United Wi-Fi?
No. In-flight Wi-Fi by United Airlines does not allow you to stream videos when connected. Hence, you cannot access the streaming services. However, if you wish to watch movies, TV shows, or even live TV, then you use the DIRECTV service provided by United in the continental US. The Wi-Fi also does not allow you to do audio and video conferencing.
Should you buy a United internet subscription?
If you love to stay connected with colleagues and friends at all times, then you must consider availing of their internet services. But if you are someone who likes to catch up on their sleep when on the flight or is satisfied with their in-flight entertainment service, then you can save quite a bit of money by not subscribing to their internet service. If you are a frequent flyer, you must sign up for their subscription plans which are much more affordable than their flight passes.
Conclusion
If you always need to be connected to the world, then the inflight Wi-Fi services by United airlines are a boon for you. Most of their flights now have this service. They are priced well and very easy to access. You can even get a monthly Wi-Fi subscription if you are a frequent flyer. United Airlines has found a great way to attract pilots with this service, and they have done a splendid job at it. Their DIRECTV service has also been successful. After covering this article and understanding United’s inflight Wi-Fi suitably, I hope you know how to connect to their Wi-Fi and whether you must purchase a subscription plan based on your requirements. Happy Flying!
FAQs
- Are the Wi-Fi services reliable?
The in-flight Wi-Fi cannot match the speed and reliability of your Wi-Fi at work or home. This has been an issue for a long time and is being looked at by all service providers. So, do not depend on in-flight Wi-Fi if you have some crucial work.
- What are the different service providers?
- Gogo Wireless: Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ-700, and Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
- Thales: 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, and 757-300 aircraft.
- Viasat: Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft
- Panasonic: Airbus a319, Airbus 320, Boeing 757-200, 757-300, 767-300ER & 400ER, 777-200, 200ER & 300 ER, and 787-8&9 aircraft.
- Can I watch Amazon Prime or Netflix using in-flight Wi-Fi?
No. You cannot use streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, and Netflix during your United flight. You can use their DIRECTV service, which provides in-flight entertainment.
