United vs American: Inflight WiFi Compared
This page compares United Airlines and American Airlines on inflight WiFi only. United is installing Starlink and gives free WiFi on those aircraft. American offers free WiFi on its Viasat and Intelsat aircraft. Both need a free loyalty account.
| Metric | United Airlines | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Provider | Starlink (rolling out) + Viasat/Panasonic (legacy) | Viasat + Intelsat (free); Panasonic on some widebodies (paid) |
| Free WiFi | Free for MileagePlus members on Starlink-equipped aircraft only | ✓ Free for AAdvantage members on Viasat- and Intelsat-equipped aircraft (about 90% of the fleet) |
| Membership Needed | MileagePlus (free to join) | AAdvantage (free to join) |
| Typical Speed (listed) | ✓ ~100 Mbps (up to 250) | ~25 Mbps (up to 70) |
| Fleet Status | More than 400 Starlink aircraft as of July 2026; nearly 1,000 targeted by end of 2026; full fleet by end of 2027 | Free WiFi on about 90% of the fleet |
| Widebodies | First widebody Starlink flight on June 22, 2026 (UA14, Newark-London); about 60 widebodies targeted by end of 2026 | Select 787-8/787-9 free; most 777s paid on Panasonic |
| Monthly Pass | ✓ $49 | $49.95 (1 device) |
| Day or Single-Flight Pass | $8 day pass; $10 single flight (non-members, non-Starlink aircraft) | $10-$35 single flight on Panasonic widebodies |
| T-Mobile Partnership | Ended April 13, 2026 | Ended in 2026, replaced by AT&T sponsorship |
United lists the higher typical speed (about 100 Mbps against about 25 Mbps), but free WiFi applies only to Starlink aircraft and the rollout is still in progress. American says free WiFi covers about 90% of its fleet at lower listed speeds, and most 777s still charge. If your flight has Starlink, United is the faster option. If not, check the aircraft before you assume WiFi is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does United or American have faster WiFi?
United lists a higher typical speed: about 100 Mbps (up to 250) against about 25 Mbps (up to 70) for American. The United figure reflects Starlink; United also still flies aircraft with legacy Viasat and Panasonic WiFi.
Is United WiFi free?
Free for MileagePlus members on Starlink-equipped aircraft. MileagePlus enrollment is free. Non-Starlink aircraft still charge: $8 for a day pass or $49 per month.
Is American Airlines WiFi free?
Free for AAdvantage members on aircraft with Viasat or Intelsat WiFi. Panasonic-equipped widebodies, most 777s and some 787s, stay paid.
How many United planes have Starlink?
More than 400 as of July 2026. United targets nearly 1,000 by the end of 2026 and the full fleet by the end of 2027.
Can I pay for United WiFi with miles?
Yes. MileagePlus lists 1,600 miles for a day pass or 7,500 miles for a monthly subscription.