I assume the answer is 'fat chance, idiot' but does UAL provide free WiFi (not the entertainment WiFi - actual 'surf the web WiFi') for a working crew member on break/bunkie? Googling here came up empty.

 

It is an approved expense. Just submit via usorce.

 

I take pride in submitting my expense for the wifi by using the wifi!! They have gotten so fast at approving the expense reports that I frequently have the expense approval email by the time I get to the hotel.

 

the wifi actually works now on international flights? I only hear of complaints by the FAs that it does not work and the passengers are complaining...

 

High speed video of United Wifi installation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsuvlmDWYuA


Why is airplane WiFi so expensive?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2hkQ03iCiY

 

My question is wifi actually works now on domestic flights? Over 50% of my 757 flights, the Wifi is inop. Totally outrageous and especially on Sundays, the pax are very vocal with their displeasure of not getting NFL scores. UAL - "IT company with Wings" has to be the biggest joke ever.

 

There are two or three wifi systems in our jets. Still trying to get a definitive answer.

The Panasonic system is the most prevalent. In 2014, it seemed to work pretty reliably in the 757RR and 764 fleets.

As it was added to the 767-300, it worked some of the time, over the CONUS.

Now?

It rarely works. The signal is there, but you can't even get the free United site. I haven't tried paying for it, but others too have said it is reimbursable.

The 757-PS jets have Gogo. I have never seen it NOT work. It is fantastic. Unfortunately, it is only 14 planes, I think.

As a passenger, the on-board wifi on the Airbus is great.

As a pax on the 737, with direct TV? Every little turn (even 5 degrees of bank, or turbulence), the antenna loses the satellite. So irritating, it's not enjoyable to watch anything.

It appears to me the Panasonic system is part satellite/part ground-based radio link (like a cell phone). If it works, it works best over the CONUS.

Gogo seems to be ground-based only.

I believe United and one or two other major carriers are suing Panasonic over the poor performance of this system.

I wish we would go Gogo for all.

 

777's. 100% of the fleet WiFi is installed. 2 different systems. Neither works reliably. It works about 1 out of 5 legs. Overwater, domestic, doesn't make a difference.

You can use it and expense it. Approved on your rest breaks. Good luck with it. The IT company with wings...

 

Last five or six trips on the 767-300 to Europe I have bought it and it worked fine. According to a mechanic, there is a big push on to improve the reliability of it.

 

To prove it, do you need to attach a screenshot of the pairing/ID?