Ever since I first switched to T-Mobile, it seems that the “uncarrier” has continued to add new perks while my bill has remained mostly flat — maybe going up by a couple of dollars or so. In addition to partnering with more streaming services and even offering a free year of AAA, T-Mobile has also continually kept up to date with benefits for travelers. On that note, the company recently announced that customers will now enjoy complimentary WiFi when onboard select United flights.
As part of the company’s “Coverage Beyond” initiative, T-Mobile introduced a free in-flight WiFi feature aboard Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines. Now, United has joined the list, increasing the odds that customers will wind up on a flight that supports free coverage. According to the press release, this option will be available on “select domestic and short-haul international United flights.”
Even more specifically, it will be offered on United’s 737s, MAX8s, MAX9s, select 757-300s and select A319s with Wi-Fi supported by Viasat and Thales InFlyt Experience. However, T-Mobile states that they hope to add more WiFi partners soon, which would further expand this line-up.
It should be noted that, while this offer is available for the bulk of T-Mobile customers, it may not cover everyone. Plus, depending on what plan you have, the time of your free connection may be limited. Currently, those with a Magenta Max, Business Unlimited Ultimate, or equivalent Sprint plan can enjoy a complimentary connection for their entire flight (where available, of course). Meanwhile, those with Magenta, Business Unlimited Advanced, or equivalent Sprint plans can enjoy one hour of free connection on all of their applicable flights as well as redeem flight-long connections four times a year. In either case, these WiFi connections will support texting, browsing, emailing, and even streaming on your phone.
While I’m fairly loyal to Delta, I have been known to end up on United once in a while, so this update is definitely a win. That said, although I do enjoy having WiFi access on my phone while in the air, it’d undoubtedly be more useful if I could connect my laptop as well. I’m not exactly sure if this offer is compatible with such a plan (or perhaps some sort of tether could be involved?), but I’m guessing it’s not.
For most people, I’m guessing that this update won’t be the deciding factor in whether or not they become T-Mobile customers. However, for those who fly United regularly or who already have T-Mobile/Sprint, this is another positive development. And, to their credit, the company has had quite a few of those as of late, making me glad to have made the switch nearly four years ago now.