Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The Complete Guide to United’s Inflight Wi-Fi Service [2025]

Spencer Howard's image
Spencer Howard
Updated: 
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Michael Y. Park
The Complete Guide to United’s Inflight Wi-Fi Service [2025]
Jump to Section
Table of Contents

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

  • United Airlines offers inflight Wi-Fi in most of its fleet, with pricing varying based on the destination and length of the flight.
  • Wi-Fi is suitable for general browsing and email, but may not support streaming services.
  • If you’re a frequent traveler, purchasing a monthly or annual subscription can be more cost-effective.

U.S. carriers began rolling out inflight internet services over a decade ago and have been slowly improving the experience. Nowadays, travelers expect most airlines to have Wi-Fi on their flights.

United Airlines does not use a consistent Wi-Fi provider. Instead, the Wi-Fi provider United uses depends on the type of aircraft.

Following are the details of United’s Wi-Fi, including its providers, what kind of Wi-Fi service you can expect, and how much you may (or may not!) have to pay for it.

Which United Aircraft Have Wi-Fi, and Who Provides It?

United has fitted almost all of its aircraft with Wi-Fi capability and has 4 Wi-Fi providers across its fleet:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Wi-Fi Provider

Select Aircraft

Gogo

  • Embraer 170
  • Embraer 175
  • Bombardier CRJ-700/550

Panasonic

  • Select Airbus 319
  • Airbus 320
  • Select Boeing 757-200/300
  • 767-300ER/400ER
  • 777-200/200ER/300ER
  • 787-8/9/10

Thales

  • 737-700/800/900
  • 737-900ER
  • Select 757-300s

Viasat

  • Select Airbus 319s
  • A321neo
  • Select Boeing 737-900s
  • 737 MAX 8/9

United Wi-Fi Coverage Maps

United Airlines Wi-Fi Coverage
United Airlines Wi-Fi Coverage. Image Credit: United

Note that coverage is limited when traveling over polar regions, some countries with regulations restricting inflight Wi-Fi access, and other government-restricted areas.

Is United’s Wi-Fi Reliable?

Reliability has long been an issue for inflight internet services, but it’s certainly better than a few years ago. While providers have been working with airlines to improve speed and reliability, you shouldn’t be surprised if you find slower speeds (if not failing Wi-Fi) on some of your flights.

Hot Tip:

Wi-Fi speed and availability can be hit or miss. If you have important work that can only be done via Wi-Fi, we don’t recommend planning your day around doing it in the air.

Advertisement

Can You Stream Video?

United is still rolling out the ability to use streaming services across its network. Most flights will not allow you to stream videos such as Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu, but you can access select movies and TV shows through the United app.

However, you can stream videos from your device on select Airbus 319 aircraft, select Boeing 737s (including the 737 MAX 8 and 9), and Boeing 757-300 planes.

How Much Is Wi-Fi on United?

United Airlines Wi-Fi Fees

Pricing for United’s Wi-Fi varies. On U.S. domestic and short-haul international flights, such as those from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada, Wi-Fi is $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members and $10 for everyone else. 

For all other flights, prices depend on where you’re headed and how long your flight is. United MileagePlus cardholders get 25% back on all onboard purchases when using their card, including Wi-Fi.

Even if you don’t pay for Wi-Fi, you can still activate free messaging and access united.com and the United app. This includes United’s entertainment options.

With United’s T-Mobile partnership, T-Mobile customers can use 1 hour of free Wi-Fi on each flight. If you need a connection for the entire flight, T-Mobile customers get free Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight 4 times per year. This includes unlimited Wi-Fi, texting, and streaming on domestic and international United flights.

United Wi-Fi Day Pass

United allows MileagePlus members to purchase a Wi-Fi day pass for their entire trip. You add the Wi-Fi pass either during booking or by adding it to an existing trip in the trip details.

Your Wi-Fi day pass begins working 1 hour before your first flight of the day is scheduled to leave and expires 24 hours later. It costs the same amount as it would to buy Wi-Fi for each flight during the 24-hour period.

Hot Tip:

United MileagePlus cardholders get 25% back on all United Wi-Fi subscription purchases, including Wi-Fi Day Pass.

United Wi-Fi Subscriptions

With United Wi-Fi subscriptions, you can pay for a month or year of Wi-Fi usage in advance through your MileagePlus account. Prices start at $49 or 7,500 miles per month.

When picking subscriptions, you must first select the region where you’ll travel during your subscription. The regions are:

  • North America (including Central America)
  • Global

You then pick how long you want your subscription to last:

  • Monthly
  • Annual

If you fly with United often, an annual subscription can save you up to $139 a year. The most expensive option is an annual global subscription, which costs $689 or 100,000 miles.

Bottom Line:

If you are a frequent United flyer, picking up a Wi-Fi subscription may be worthwhile.

Best Ways To Save on United’s Wi-Fi

Purchase a Pass

If you’re a frequent traveler, buying a monthly or yearly subscription pass can be a good way to save on Wi-Fi.

For example, a monthly pass can present decent savings if you fly 6 or more times per month and spend $8 to $10 per flight. The savings are more significant the more frequently you fly.

Use a United Co-Branded Credit Card

United credit cardholders can use their card to purchase Wi-Fi on board and get a 25% statement credit. This includes annual and monthly subscriptions as well as day pass purchases.

LIMITED TIME OFFER
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

The New United℠ Explorer Card
With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000 miles
$720
$150
20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider The New United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x total miles per $1 on hotel stays through United Hotels
  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
  • 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
  • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
  • Over $400 in partner credits each year
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

LIMITED TIME OFFER
The New United Club℠ Card
The New United Club℠ Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

The New United Club℠ Card
Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
90,000 miles
$1,080
$695
20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The New United Club℠ Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
  • Complimentary United Club membership
Cons
  • $695 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Limited-Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
  • 4x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on dining and all other travel
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
  • Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
  • Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases to use toward an eligible award flight - up to two times each calendar year
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
BEST OFFER EVER
The New United Quest℠ Card
The New United Quest℠ Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

The New United Quest℠ Card
The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.
Best Offer Ever: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
100,000 miles + 3,000 PQP
$1,200
$350
20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

Enter: The New United Quest℠ Card. With it, you can bolster your United MileagePlus miles, thanks to the bonus categories, while enjoying the card’s many perks designed to help save you money on each United flight.

With an annual fee that falls between The New United℠ Explorer Card and The New United Club℠ Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x miles on stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
  • 3x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 spent on travel, dining, and select streaming services
Cons
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Does not offer airport lounge access
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Best Offer Ever: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP
  • 3x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • Receive a $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
  • Earn a 10,000-mile eligible award flight discount after spending $20,000 each calendar year
  • Earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades after spending $40,000 on purchases each calendar year
  • Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 6 to 8 weeks after February 1 each year, starting in 2026.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
LIMITED-TIME OFFER
The New United Gateway℠ Card
The New United Gateway℠ Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

The New United Gateway℠ Card
The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
30,000 miles
$360
$0
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without wanting to pay a credit card annual fee. Plus, the card offers other solid benefits like a 25% back on United inflight purchases, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
  • 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • If you are a frequent United flyer, other cards offer more perks
  • It does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Limited-Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles
  • 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
  • 2x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
  • Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
The New United Club℠ Business Card
The New United Club℠ Business Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

The New United Club℠ Business Card
The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles plus 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account.
80,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
$960
$695
20.49%-28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The New United Club℠ Business Card is a premium card option for dedicated United loyalists seeking a card that offers complimentary United Club access, helps them earn and retain status, and doesn’t skip on the benefits.

From free checked bags to upgrades on award tickets and the ability to earn Premier qualifying points, there is plenty to the United Club Business card that United flyers are sure to love.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases
  • 1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Complimentary United Club membership
Cons
  • $695 annual fee
  • Earning rate for United purchases is poor compared to other United cards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles plus 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account
  • Earn 2x miles on United purchases
  • Earn 1.5x miles on all other purchases
  • Earn 5x miles on stays purchased through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers
  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • United Club℠ membership included – at least a $750 value per year – with the ability to unlock United Club All Access Membership
  • Earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades each year
  • Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, save up to $320 per round-trip
  • Up to $50 in credits on United FareLock purchases annually
  • Up to $200 in credits on Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers annually
  • Up to $150 in credits on rideshare purchases annually
  • Up to $100 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget purchases annually
  • Up to $200 in credits on JSX purchases annually
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Complimentary Instacart+ Membership (terms apply)
  • Up to $240 in Instacart credits annually (terms apply)
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49%-28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Use an Eligible American Express Credit Card

If your United flight offers Wi-Fi through United’s Wi-Fi portal, you could use an eligible American Express card to get United Wi-Fi for free.

American Express cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer up to $200 of airline incidental credits upon enrollment. If you select United as your airline of choice for the year, the credits can offset the cost of Wi-Fi.

Redeem United Miles for Wi-Fi

Flights equipped with United’s new Wi-Fi portal allow you to redeem MileagePlus miles to purchase Wi-Fi access. However, this is a poor value for your hard-earned United miles!

We value United miles at a minimum of 1.3 cents per mile. You won’t even get 1 cent per mile when you redeem miles for Wi-Fi. You’d be better off saving your miles for future flights.

Use Your Existing Phone Plan

If you are a T-Mobile customer with a T-Mobile Magenta or Magenta MAX plan, you receive free United Wi-Fi with streaming services and unlimited texting. Wi-Fi benefits vary based on your plan.

Advertisement

Is Buying United Wi-Fi Worth It?

Whether buying Wi-Fi is worth it to you depends on your priorities. Staying connected during flights makes the flying experience more enjoyable for some people, and for them, it might be worth it.

It might also be worth it if you hope to get some extra work done (or your employer is paying for it).

Final Thoughts

Inflight internet has improved significantly over the last few years, with more coverage options and airlines, including United, offering free service to eligible customers on select flights.

Fortunately for United flyers, United has fitted almost all its aircraft with Wi-Fi capability so it’s available almost anywhere you’re going on United. If you’re a frequent United flyer, purchasing a subscription or getting a United credit card may be worth it.

Featured Image Credit: United

Frequently Asked Questions

Which United aircraft have Wi-Fi?

United has fitted almost all of its aircraft with Wi-Fi capability. The exceptions are 737 aircraft operating in Guam and Micronesia.

How much does United Wi-Fi cost?

Pricing for United’s Wi-Fi varies. On U.S. domestic and short-haul international flights, like those to Mexico and Canada, Wi-Fi is $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members and $10 for everyone else.

How do you sign on to United Airlines Wi-Fi?

With your wireless device in airplane mode with only Wi-Fi enabled, locate the United_Wi-Fi wireless network, then launch a browser. If you aren’t redirected to the Wi-Fi portal, type unitedwifi.com in the URL. You can then purchase a plan and begin using it.

How do I purchase Wi-Fi on United before a flight?

You can purchase a United Wi-Fi day pass when you are booking your reservation. You can also select your trip from My Trips and view the Wi-Fi day pass option above your flight information.

Spencer Howard's image

About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Related Posts

United Airlines MileagePlus Loyalty Program Review
United Airlines MileagePlus Loyalty Program Review
How To Status Match With United Airlines [In-Depth 2025 Guide]
How To Status Match With United Airlines [In-Depth 2025 Guide]
The Complete Guide to Boingo Wireless for Travelers
The Complete Guide to Boingo Wireless for Travelers
The New United Club Card – Full Review [2025]
The New United Club Card – Full Review [2025]

Upgrade your travel experience

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© 2025 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status

Disclaimer: Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.