To buy wifi on United, you have three main options: pay the standard rate of $8 to $10 per flight, get it free with a T-Mobile plan, or connect for free on Starlink-equipped aircraft as a MileagePlus member. If you’re comparing airlines, you can also get wifi on southwest for a flat $8 fee on most flights. This guide walks you through each method, the exact connection steps, and the rules you need to know.
How to buy wifi on United: a quick guide
You can buy wifi on United by paying with a credit card or MileagePlus miles directly onboard, using a free T-Mobile benefit, or connecting automatically on Starlink-equipped planes if you are a MileagePlus member. For most domestic and short-haul flights, the cost is $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members and $10 for non-members. If you have a subscription, you simply sign in to your account on the portal to activate it.
United inflight wifi pricing and free options
On U.S. domestic and short-haul international flights without Starlink, Wi-Fi costs $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members, and $10 for others. On long-haul international flights, prices vary based on destination and flight duration. Most United aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi, and service is generally available from takeoff to landing.
You have two generous free options. T-Mobile customers receive unlimited free Wi-Fi on all domestic and international flights. On Starlink-equipped aircraft, MileagePlus members can connect to the internet for free. This makes staying connected effortless if you qualify for either benefit.
How to buy a Wi-Fi subscription or pass in advance
United offers monthly and annual Wi-Fi subscription plans for frequent flyers. MileagePlus cardholders receive 25% back on all United Wi-Fi subscription purchases, which is a significant saving over time. Subscriptions are non-transferable and can only be used by the subscriber on one device at a time. Purchases are final and non-refundable, but refunds can be requested if Wi-Fi is intermittent or non-functioning. If you travel often, a subscription eliminates the need to pay per flight.
Step-by-step: connecting and buying Wi-Fi onboard
- After boarding, turn on airplane mode on your device.
- Connect to the "United_Wi-Fi" network from your device's wireless settings.
- Open your web browser.
- If the portal does not load automatically, manually navigate to unitedwifi.com in your browser.
- On the portal, you can choose to purchase a Wi-Fi plan using a credit card or MileagePlus miles.
- If you have a Wi-Fi subscription, sign in to your MileagePlus account on unitedwifi.com to use it.
Once you complete these steps, you will have internet access for the duration of your flight. The portal makes it clear which option applies to you, whether you are paying, using a T-Mobile benefit, or connecting via Starlink.
Troubleshooting and usage policies
If the connection fails, first ensure you are connected to the correct network and that your browser opened the portal. You may need to restart your device or toggle airplane mode off and on again. If problems persist, flight attendants can assist, and refunds can be requested if the service is intermittent or non-functioning.
Usage policies are strict. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), voice calls, and video calls are prohibited. VPN access may be intermittent. You cannot share your internet connection with another passenger. Operating bandwidth is not guaranteed and depends on factors like the number of users. Downloading large amounts of data or streaming video may be throttled. Following these rules ensures a stable experience for everyone onboard.
