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United Airlines is in the process of rolling out complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members across its entire fleet, giving passengers access to some of the fastest speeds in the sky.
However, it will take some time before United can equip all its planes with Starlink Wi-Fi. As of February 2026, United says more than 300 regional aircraft already have Starlink, and it expects to install it on 500 more planes by the end of the year.
Let’s take a look at United Wi-Fi, its costs (for flights without Starlink) and whether you can text or stream video for free the next time you fly the friendly skies.
Will my United flight offer Wi-Fi?
United offers Wi-Fi on most flights. If you aren’t sure whether your specific flight will have Wi-Fi, the airline offers a coverage map that shows Wi-Fi availability based on the type of plane you’re flying on and your destination.
Importantly, United says that Wi-Fi availability is “subject to change,” so even if the coverage map shows that your flight has Wi-Fi, you should always have a backup plan in case it doesn’t work. This might include printing out important work emails before the flight or downloading shows or movies onto a tablet before takeoff.
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How to connect to United in flight Wi-Fi
Connecting to United Wi-Fi only takes a few steps:
- Find and connect to the “United Wi-Fi” network. Be sure to do this in airplane mode if you’re connecting to United Wi-Fi with your cell phone or tablet.
- Launch your internet browser and go to unitedwifi.com.
- Follow the instructions to pay for your Wi-Fi (or if you qualify for free Wi-Fi — which we tell you how to get below — follow the instructions to log in for free).
Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi on your flight, you can access United’s app, along with its in-flight entertainment options, and select messaging services for free. However, if you’d like to access other apps or websites, you’ll need to pay for Wi-Fi access.
How much does United Wi-Fi cost?
The amount you’ll pay varies based on the flight route, your United MileagePlus membership status and other factors. Below is an overview of United’s Wi-Fi pricing options.
Starlink-equipped aircraft
If your plane has Starlink Wi-Fi, you'll have access for free as long as you're a MileagePlus member. It's free to join the program and you can do so during the flight.
Make sure to have the United app installed on your phone for a seamless login. After you head to unitedwifi.com, you will be redirected to the app to confirm your identity and sign on. If you have additional devices like a laptop, connect to the Wi-Fi network and head to the unitedwifi.com page. You'll find a QR code that you can scan using your phone, which will automatically sign you in.
One-time fee
For those flying on domestic or short-haul international routes, Wi-Fi will cost you $8 if you’re a MileagePlus member or $10 for non-members. Alternatively, you can redeem 1,600 miles for Wi-Fi access.
Those traveling on long-haul international flights will find the price of Wi-Fi varies based on the route.
Day pass
The United Wi-Fi day pass is a good option if you’re taking multiple flights in a single day. You can purchase the pass in advance when booking your flight or add it to your itinerary later.
While it may not save you money (United says the cost of a day pass is equal to the amount Wi-Fi would cost for each individual flight during a 24-hour period), it can save you some hassle by not having to buy Wi-Fi more than once.
Subscriptions
If you’re a frequent United flyer, you can purchase a monthly Wi-Fi subscription. A United Wi-Fi subscription covering North and Central America costs $49 per month, while a global Wi-Fi subscription costs $69 per month. Subscriptions don't auto-renew, so you'll need to purchase it again each month.
You can also use United MileagePlus miles to purchase the subscription instead of cash.
» Learn more: Great ways to earn United MileagePlus Miles
T-Mobile customers
If you have a T-Mobile Magenta or Magenta MAX plan, you’ll receive free United Wi-Fi with streaming service and unlimited texting. Magenta MAX customers receive these benefits on all United flights that offer Wi-Fi.
Those with a Magenta plan get free Wi-Fi for the full duration of their flights four times each year and get unlimited texting plus one hour of free Wi-Fi on all other flights.
United credit cardholders
If you have a United co-branded credit card, you’ll receive 25% back as a statement credit when you use your eligible card to purchase United Wi-Fi. This includes monthly subscriptions as well as day pass purchases.
While the price of United Wi-Fi can vary, great ways to save money include signing up for an eligible T-Mobile plan, enrolling in United’s MileagePlus program or paying for Wi-Fi with your United credit card.
» Learn more: Best benefits of United Airlines credit cards
How to get free Wi-Fi on United
If you're not flying on a Starlink-enabled plane, you can also get free Wi-Fi if you have an eligible T-Mobile account. The two T-Mobile plans that qualify are the Magenta and Magenta MAX plans. Here’s what you get with each plan:
- Magenta MAX. Unlimited Wi-Fi, streaming and texting for the duration of your flight.
- Magenta. Unlimited Wi-Fi, streaming and texting on four flights per year. Additional flights offer one hour of free Wi-Fi and streaming, and unlimited texting.
While having an eligible T-Mobile account is the only way to get free Wi-Fi on United aircraft not equipped with Starlink, you can get a 25% discount by paying with one of the following United credit cards.
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $150.
$350.
$695.
$695.
$150.
Learn more
Additionally, you can use select messaging apps as well as United’s streaming in-flight entertainment for free on any flight. More on this in the next section.
Does United Wi-Fi include free text messaging?
United flyers who want to stay connected to friends, family and co-workers while they’re flying are in luck.
Once you’re connected to United Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to send text messages for free through apps like iMessage, Facebook and WhatsApp — no fee required.
Wi-Fi comparison across U.S. airlines
In our most recent analysis of the best onboard Wi-Fi services, we ranked the major U.S. airlines on various factors, including cost, availability and whether there were discounts for co-branded card holders or elite members. Here's how the results stacked up:
» Learn more: The best airline loyalty programs this year
Final thoughts on United Airlines Wi-Fi
United is working quickly to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet, with a target of more than 800 planes equipped by the end of 2026. That's a game-changer for United flyers, who have mostly had to pay for Wi-Fi that doesn't always work well.
Until the rollout finishes, you'll still need to pay for Wi-Fi on most planes. The cost can vary based on factors including the route you’re flying and whether you’re a MileagePlus member.
Frequent United flyers can save money by purchasing a subscription, getting a United credit card or signing up for a qualifying T-Mobile plan.
The information related to the United Club℠ Business Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
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