Traveling with United Airlines just got a whole lot more entertaining! Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, United Airlines offers a variety of inflight entertainment options to make your journey more enjoyable. From movies and TV shows to games and music, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re wondering how to access United’s inflight entertainment, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about connecting to the entertainment system, what devices you can use, and how to make the most of your inflight experience.
What is United Inflight Entertainment?
United Airlines offers a wide range of entertainment options to keep passengers entertained during their flight. Depending on the aircraft and route, United’s inflight entertainment system can include:
- Movies (both recent hits and classic favorites)
- TV Shows (popular series, documentaries, and more)
- Music (various genres and playlists)
- Games (fun games for kids and adults)
- Flight Information (maps, updates on your journey, and more)
United offers inflight entertainment on both personal devices (via Wi-Fi) and seatback screens (on select aircraft). How you access this entertainment will depend on the specific setup for your flight.
Step 1: Check Your Aircraft Type
Before boarding, it’s helpful to know which type of aircraft you’re flying on because United Airlines offers different entertainment options depending on the plane:
- Aircraft with Seatback Screens: Many United aircraft, particularly on long-haul international flights, have personal seatback screens with an onboard entertainment system. These screens allow you to enjoy movies, TV shows, music, and games without needing to use your personal device.
- Aircraft with Streaming Service (Wi-Fi-enabled planes): For most domestic and short-haul international flights, United Airlines offers streaming services that you can access on your personal device. This includes newer aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A320, and some Boeing 777 aircraft.
If you’re flying on an aircraft that doesn’t have a built-in seatback screen, don’t worry—streaming is likely available, and you can enjoy the same range of entertainment on your own device.
Step 2: Connect to the Wi-Fi Network
Regardless of the type of entertainment system on your flight, the first step is to connect to the United Airlines Wi-Fi network. Follow these easy steps:
- Enable Wi-Fi on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
- Select the United Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
- The network will usually appear as “United Wi-Fi” or something similar, depending on the aircraft.
- Open a browser on your device. You’ll automatically be redirected to the United Airlines Wi-Fi portal.
- Sign in or connect to United’s Wi-Fi service. You can either choose to pay for Wi-Fi access (if you haven’t already purchased a plan) or access the free entertainment options available to all passengers.
If you’re unsure whether Wi-Fi is available on your flight, United typically provides details during the booking process or via email before your departure. You can also confirm with the flight attendants once you board.
Step 3: Accessing Entertainment via Streaming
Once you’re connected to the United Wi-Fi network, you’ll be able to access the inflight entertainment directly on your device. Here’s how:
- Open a browser (Safari, Chrome, or any preferred browser) on your device.
- United’s entertainment portal should automatically open. If it doesn’t, navigate to “www.unitedwifi.com” in your browser’s address bar.
- Browse the available entertainment: The portal will display a wide range of content, including:
- Movies: New releases and classics.
- TV Shows: A mix of recent series and older favorites.
- Music: Curated playlists in various genres.
- Games: Interactive games for adults and kids alike.
- Select the content you’d like to watch or listen to. Some content may be free, while others require a subscription or a one-time purchase.
- Enjoy the show!
In addition to movies, TV shows, and music, United also offers a feature called “United Private Screening” (for eligible passengers), which is a streaming service accessible via the Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Using Seatback Screens (If Available)
For passengers on aircraft equipped with seatback screens, the process is even simpler:
- Turn on your screen: When you sit down, your seatback screen should automatically be activated. If not, there may be an on-screen prompt to wake up the system.
- Browse the menu: Use the touchscreen or remote (depending on the aircraft) to navigate through movies, TV shows, music, and games.
- Choose your entertainment: Pick a movie, show, or song from the available options. The system may offer both free and premium content.
- Adjust settings: You can adjust volume, brightness, and even change the language or subtitles if available.
On some aircraft, you can even connect your headphones directly to the seatback screen, while others may provide complimentary headsets for you.
Step 5: Use Headphones or Bluetooth Devices
If you’re using your personal device, you’ll likely need headphones or earbuds to enjoy the inflight entertainment. United offers complimentary headphones on many flights, but if you prefer, you can bring your own.
- Wired Headphones: If you’re using wired headphones, make sure you have the appropriate adapter for the seatback entertainment system (if needed).
- Bluetooth Devices: United now supports Bluetooth audio devices on select aircraft, so you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to your personal device without worrying about wires.
For the best experience, always make sure your device is fully charged or have a charging cable handy, as some aircraft provide USB charging ports at your seat.
Step 6: Premium Entertainment Options
United Airlines also offers premium entertainment options for those willing to pay for additional services:
- United Wi-Fi: Depending on your route, you may need to pay for Wi-Fi access if it’s not included in your ticket.
- Paid Content: Some movies and TV shows may have an additional cost, so be prepared to pay for on-demand content.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble accessing inflight entertainment, here are a few troubleshooting steps:
- Refresh your connection: Sometimes disconnecting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi can fix minor issues.
- Restart your device: If the entertainment portal isn’t loading, a quick restart of your device might help.
- Ask a Flight Attendant: If you’re still having trouble, the flight attendants can assist you or guide you to the correct system.
Final Thoughts
United Airlines offers a range of inflight entertainment options to make your flight more enjoyable, whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster, listening to music, or playing games. By following the steps above, you’ll be able to easily access movies, TV shows, and more, all on your personal device or the seatback screen (if available).
Remember, the availability of certain features may vary by aircraft, so always check the information for your specific flight before takeoff. With a little preparation, you’ll be set to enjoy a smooth and entertaining journey!
Happy flying! ✈️🎬
