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Members of Aeroplan and United MileagePlus have one more reason to celebrate. The two loyalty programs have just launched reciprocal free in-flight Wi-Fi. Specifically, an Aeroplan member flying on United Airlines can access Wi-Fi at no cost, and a MileagePlus member flying on Air Canada enjoys the same benefit.
This partnership strengthens the ties between Air Canada and United Airlines, two pillars of Star Alliance. Here is everything you need to know to take advantage of it on your next flight.
Until recently, Air Canada’s free Wi-Fi was reserved for Aeroplan members on Air Canada flights only. For its part, United offered free Starlink connection to its own passengers. Now, both programs are extending this benefit to members of the other program.
In practice, this means that a Canadian traveler who is an Aeroplan member taking a United flight equipped with Starlink benefits from free Wi-Fi for the entire flight. The reverse is also true: a MileagePlus member flying on Air Canada accesses Wi-Fi at no charge on equipped aircraft.
The connection allows for browsing, streaming content, sending messages, and working online, from takeoff to landing.
The procedure differs slightly depending on the airline you are traveling with. Here are the steps for each scenario.
To enjoy free Starlink Wi-Fi on board a United Airlines flight:
To access free Wi-Fi on board an Air Canada flight:
According to the conditions published by Air Canada, several categories of passengers have access to free Wi-Fi on Air Canada flights within North America and to sun destinations:
As a reminder, enrollment in the Aeroplan program is free. If you are not yet a member, simply create an account to access this benefit.
Air Canada’s free Wi-Fi currently covers flights within North America and to sun destinations (Mexico, Caribbean). The service works on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and most Air Canada Express aircraft.
The provider is Bell, which ensures a streaming-quality connection. However, not all aircraft are equipped yet. To see the full list of airlines offering in-flight Wi-Fi, consult our guide to in-flight Wi-Fi.
In addition to full Wi-Fi, Air Canada has been offering a free text messaging service to Aeroplan members since May 2023. This service works with the following applications:
This service does not require the purchase of in-flight Wi-Fi. However, it does not support sending photos, videos, attachments, or voice calls (VoIP).
Air Canada and United Airlines already share many codeshare routes. Furthermore, both companies belong to Star Alliance and maintain a close commercial partnership. Reciprocal free Wi-Fi adds a tangible benefit for travelers who alternate between the two carriers.
For Canadians, this partnership has direct practical value. United serves many American cities not covered by Air Canada with direct flights. An Aeroplan member taking a United flight to a regional US destination thus maintains free connectivity without paying extra.
In addition to Wi-Fi, Aeroplan members earn points when they fly on United Airlines, and vice versa. Combining these benefits with an Aeroplan credit card allows you to maximize rewards on every flight.
Check our best credit cards page to choose the one that best suits your travel habits.
A few practical details deserve your attention before counting on free in-flight Wi-Fi.
Free Wi-Fi is becoming an industry standard. Here is how Air Canada and United compare to other popular airlines in Canada:
For a complete overview of in-flight Wi-Fi by airline, consult our dedicated guide to in-flight Wi-Fi.
The free Wi-Fi partnership between Aeroplan and United MileagePlus is a concrete addition for Canadian travelers. Simply add your loyalty number to the reservation to stay connected for free, whether on Air Canada or United Airlines.
With the planned extension to international long-haul flights in 2026, this benefit will become even more attractive. In the meantime, make sure to always link your Aeroplan number to your reservations so you don’t miss out.
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