Aeroplan and United MileagePlus: Reciprocal Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
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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.
What This Wi-Fi Partnership Changes
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.
How to Access Free Wi-Fi
The procedure differs slightly depending on the airline you are traveling with. Here are the steps for each scenario.
Aeroplan Member on a United Flight
To enjoy free Starlink Wi-Fi on board a United Airlines flight:
- Add your Aeroplan number: Enter it into your United reservation before the flight or during check-in.
- Log in to the Wi-Fi portal: Enter your date of birth and your United confirmation code (PNR) to activate free access.
- Enjoy the connection: Wi-Fi is available for the entire flight on Starlink-equipped aircraft.
MileagePlus Member on an Air Canada Flight
To access free Wi-Fi on board an Air Canada flight:
- Add your MileagePlus number: Enter it into your Air Canada reservation.
- Log in to the onboard portal: Enter your last name and seat number to access the Wi-Fi.
- Browse at no cost: The connection is active from departure to arrival.
Who Can Benefit From Free Wi-Fi
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:
- Business Class passengers: Free Wi-Fi included automatically.
- Aeroplan members: Aeroplan number added to the reservation or at check-in.
- Passengers on the same reservation: If an Aeroplan member has added their number, other passengers on the same reservation also benefit.
- United MileagePlus members: MileagePlus number added to the Air Canada reservation (a new feature of the partnership).
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.
Geographic Coverage and Aircraft
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.
Wi-Fi Rates on Air Canada
| Situation | Cost | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan Member (North America + Sun) | $0 | Aeroplan number added to reservation |
| MileagePlus Member (North America + Sun) | $0 | MileagePlus number added to reservation |
| Business Class | $0 | Automatic |
| Non-member (Economy) | Up to $21 | Depending on flight duration |
Free Text Messaging Service
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:
- iMessage (Apple): Sending and receiving text messages.
- WhatsApp and Messenger (Meta): Instant messaging.
- Messages by Google: For Android devices.
- Other applications: WeChat, LINE, KakaoTalk, Telegram, Viber.
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).
Why This Partnership Is Strategic
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.
Combined Points Accumulation
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.
What You Need to Know Before You Fly
A few practical details deserve your attention before counting on free in-flight Wi-Fi.
- Voice calls not supported: Voice service, including VoIP, is not available in flight.
- Not all aircraft equipped: Wi-Fi is not available on all planes. Air Canada Express Q400s are currently being outfitted.
- Variable quality: Network traffic volume, signal strength, and other technical factors may affect speed and availability.
- Consent required: To access free Wi-Fi, Air Canada requires consent for the use of browsing data for advertising purposes.
Comparison with Other Airlines
Free Wi-Fi is becoming an industry standard. Here is how Air Canada and United compare to other popular airlines in Canada:
| Airline | Free Wi-Fi | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Yes | Aeroplan or MileagePlus members, Business Class |
| United Airlines | Yes | Starlink-equipped aircraft, MileagePlus or Aeroplan members |
| WestJet | No | From $3 to $21 depending on the flight |
| Porter Airlines | Yes | Free on E195-E2 aircraft |
| JetBlue | Yes | Free for all passengers |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes | Free for SkyMiles members |
For a complete overview of in-flight Wi-Fi by airline, consult our dedicated guide to in-flight Wi-Fi.
Bottom Line
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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Aeroplan United MileagePlus Free Wi-Fi – Frequently Asked Questions
Is free Wi-Fi available on all Air Canada flights?
No. Free Wi-Fi is offered on flights equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi service, operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and most Air Canada Express aircraft. Flights within North America and to sun destinations are covered. International long-haul flights will follow in 2026.
Do I have to pay for Wi-Fi if I am not an Aeroplan member?
If you are traveling in Economy Class without being an Aeroplan or MileagePlus member, there is a fee for Wi-Fi (up to $21 depending on flight duration). However, joining Aeroplan is free and provides access to Wi-Fi at no cost.
How do I get free Wi-Fi on United with my Aeroplan number?
Add your Aeroplan number to your United reservation. On board, log in to the Wi-Fi portal by entering your date of birth and your United confirmation code (PNR). Free Wi-Fi works on Starlink-equipped aircraft.
Can a United MileagePlus member get free Wi-Fi on Air Canada?
Yes. United MileagePlus members who add their number to their Air Canada reservation access free Wi-Fi. Simply log in to the onboard portal with your last name and seat number.
Do passengers on the same reservation benefit from free Wi-Fi?
Yes. On Air Canada, passengers on the same reservation as an Aeroplan member also benefit from free Wi-Fi. The member must have added their Aeroplan number to the reservation.
Can I make voice calls with in-flight Wi-Fi?
No. Voice service, including Voice over IP (VoIP), is not supported on board. Wi-Fi allows for browsing, streaming, and text messaging, but not calls.
Will free Wi-Fi be available on international flights?
Air Canada plans to add free Wi-Fi to its international long-haul flights in 2026. For now, the free service covers North America and sun destinations (Mexico, Caribbean).
Which credit card maximizes Aeroplan benefits in flight?
Several Aeroplan credit cards offer in-flight benefits such as a free first checked bag. Consult our comparison of the best Aeroplan credit cards to find the one that suits your needs.
