As the world becomes increasingly connected, staying online even when you’re 30,000 feet in the air is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. United Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, understands this and offers Wi-Fi on most of its flights. But, have you ever wondered how much this convenience will set you back? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of in-flight Wi-Fi on United and explore the various pricing options available.
United’s Wi-Fi Options: A Brief Overview
United Airlines offers two types of Wi-Fi plans: a one-hour pass and a full-flight pass. The availability of these plans depends on the type of aircraft and the route you’re flying. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:
- One-hour pass: This plan allows you to stay connected for a single hour, with prices starting at $3.99. This option is perfect for quickly checking your emails or sending a few messages.
- Full-flight pass: As the name suggests, this plan gives you unlimited Wi-Fi access for the entire duration of your flight. Prices for this plan vary depending on the route and aircraft type, but you can expect to pay between $10 and $20.
The Cost of Wi-Fi on United: A Breakdown
Now that you know the two types of Wi-Fi plans available on United, let’s take a closer look at the pricing. Please note that prices may vary depending on the route, aircraft type, and time of booking.
Short-Haul Flights
On short-haul flights, which typically last less than two hours, United offers a one-hour pass for $3.99. This is a great option if you just need to quickly check your emails or send a few messages.
Medium-Haul Flights
On medium-haul flights, which typically last between two and four hours, United offers both one-hour and full-flight passes. The one-hour pass costs $5.99, while the full-flight pass costs $12.99.
Long-Haul Flights
On long-haul flights, which typically last more than four hours, United offers both one-hour and full-flight passes. The one-hour pass costs $6.99, while the full-flight pass costs $19.99.
International Flights
On international flights, United offers both one-hour and full-flight passes. The one-hour pass costs $6.99, while the full-flight pass costs $24.99.
T-Mobile Customers: Get Ready for a Discount!
If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you’re in luck! United has partnered with T-Mobile to offer discounted Wi-Fi rates to its customers. With this partnership, T-Mobile customers can enjoy 30% off all Wi-Fi passes on United flights.
Subscription Options: A Cost-Effective Solution?
If you fly frequently with United, you may want to consider purchasing a subscription to their Wi-Fi service. United offers two subscription options:
- Monthly subscription: For $49 per month, you can enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi access on all United flights.
- Annual subscription: For $499 per year, you can enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi access on all United flights.
Is a Subscription Worth It?
Whether a subscription is worth it depends on how frequently you fly with United and how much you value staying connected during your flights. If you fly at least twice a month and need Wi-Fi access for work or personal reasons, a subscription may be a cost-effective solution.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Your Wi-Fi
Here are a few tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Wi-Fi on United flights:
- Book your Wi-Fi pass in advance: Booking your Wi-Fi pass in advance can save you up to 20% on the regular price.
- Use your T-Mobile discount: If you’re a T-Mobile customer, don’t forget to take advantage of your 30% discount on Wi-Fi passes.
- Consider a subscription: If you fly frequently with United, a subscription may be a cost-effective solution for staying connected during your flights.
| Type of Flight | One-Hour Pass | Full-Flight Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Haul | $3.99 | N/A |
| Medium-Haul | $5.99 | $12.99 |
| Long-Haul | $6.99 | $19.99 |
| International | $6.99 | $24.99 |
As you can see, the cost of Wi-Fi on United flights varies depending on the type of flight and the duration of your trip. However, with a little planning and research, you can stay connected during your flight without breaking the bank. So, the next time you’re on a United flight, remember to take advantage of their Wi-Fi options and stay connected at 30,000 feet!
How much does Wi-Fi on United cost?
The cost of Wi-Fi on United Airlines varies depending on the flight duration and the type of device you are using. For flights under 2 hours, the cost is $3.99 for a single device. For flights between 2-4 hours, the cost is $7.99 for a single device, and for flights over 4 hours, the cost is $10.99 for a single device. If you want to connect multiple devices, you can opt for the “Monthly Subscription” plan which costs $49 per month.
It’s worth noting that United Airlines offers a discount for its MileagePlus members. Members can get 20% off the regular Wi-Fi prices. Additionally, if you’re flying in United’s premium cabins, such as Polaris business class or Premium Plus, you’ll get complimentary Wi-Fi on eligible flights.
Which United aircraft have Wi-Fi?
Most United Airlines aircraft have Wi-Fi installed, including its Boeing 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 757-200, 757-300, 767-300, 767-400, and Airbus A319, A320, and A321 planes. However, it’s always best to check with United’s website or mobile app to confirm if Wi-Fi is available on your specific flight.
Even if your aircraft has Wi-Fi, there may be instances where it’s not available due to technical issues or satellite connectivity problems. In such cases, United will notify you before the flight and offer a refund or a voucher for future Wi-Fi use.
How fast is United’s Wi-Fi?
United’s Wi-Fi speeds vary depending on the satellite provider and the number of users connected. On average, you can expect speeds of around 10-20 Mbps, which is sufficient for browsing, emailing, and social media. However, if you’re planning to stream videos or download large files, you may experience slower speeds.
United has partnered with providers like ViaSat and Panasonic Avionics to offer high-speed Wi-Fi on its aircraft. The airline is continuously working to improve its Wi-Fi speeds and coverage, so you can expect better performance on newer aircraft and routes.
Can I stream videos on United’s Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can stream videos on United’s Wi-Fi, but the quality may vary depending on the internet speed and the number of users connected. If you’re planning to stream videos, it’s best to opt for lower-quality settings to avoid buffering and ensure a smoother experience.
However, keep in mind that streaming videos can consume a lot of data, and United’s Wi-Fi plans have data caps. If you exceed the data limit, your speed may be throttled, and you may experience slower performance.
Can I use my device’s hotspot on United’s Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use your device’s hotspot on United’s Wi-Fi, but you’ll need to purchase a Wi-Fi pass for each device that will be connected to the hotspot. This means that if you have multiple devices connected to your hotspot, you’ll need to buy multiple Wi-Fi passes.
It’s worth noting that using a hotspot can consume more data and bandwidth, which may affect the overall Wi-Fi performance on the flight. Additionally, some devices may not be compatible with United’s Wi-Fi network, so it’s best to check with the airline before your flight.
Is United’s Wi-Fi secure?
United takes the security of its Wi-Fi network seriously and has implemented various measures to protect its passengers’ data. The airline uses industry-standard encryption and authentication protocols to ensure that your data is secure and protected from unauthorized access.
However, as with any public Wi-Fi network, there is always a risk of security breaches. To minimize this risk, it’s recommended that you use a virtual private network (VPN) and keep your device’s software and antivirus up to date.
Can I get a refund if the Wi-Fi doesn’t work?
Yes, if the Wi-Fi doesn’t work on your flight, you can request a refund from United Airlines. The airline offers a satisfaction guarantee for its Wi-Fi service, and if you’re not satisfied with the performance, you can contact its customer service team to request a refund.
Refunds are typically processed within 24-48 hours, and you’ll receive an email with the refund details. However, if you’re a Monthly Subscription plan user, you’ll need to contact United’s customer service team to request a prorated refund for the remaining days in the month.