Panasonic Satellite Wi-Fi Shouldn't Suck for Too Much Longer
I love United's new 777-300ER, but even though it's the best and brightest plane in the airline's fleet, it wouldn't be my first pick if I need to get some serious work done en-route. The reason is hiding under that little hump on the top of the fuselage — lousy internet connectivity, or, on some occasions, none at all.
Back when Panasonic's Wi-Fi service launched on United in 2013, it was pretty impressive, offering coverage throughout most of the airline's routes. While it was never super-speedy, since then, Panasonic's now-dated Ku-band service — referred to internally as "Gen 1" — has slowed to a crawl. Essentially, the primary issue is that many more aircraft are using the same older tech to connect to the web, but a new modem that's beginning to roll out is expected to help alleviate congestion.
The issue of poor or no connectivity has become so widespread that flight attendants are quite frustrated, going so far as to recommend that passengers complain to the airline. Following a recent complaint, a United social media representative even jumped in to fill the gap during an MLB game:
The airlines do acknowledge the problem, but they're powerless until the new hardware arrives. So instead of offering reliable connectivity, United, for example, has begun automatically issuing travel vouchers or miles to compensate inconvenienced passengers. I received 10,000 miles after one recent flight — the apology was even issued mid-flight, with an email waiting in my inbox when I landed.
Since then, I received 6,250 for broken Wi-Fi on my flight from San Juan to Houston, issued automatically via email, and then I contacted United for an additional 6,250-mile credit for inoperative Wi-Fi on my flight the next day from Houston to Newark. I have plenty of miles, so I decided to donate any miles I receive as compensation this year, with the first 10,000 going to the Ronald McDonald House, 6,250 going to the Red Cross and another 6,250 going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Helping others can be very rewarding — I'm a bit less bummed to come across broken Panasonic Wi-Fi these days, knowing that charities will ultimately be able to benefit from this temporary lapse in service. If you're interested in donating as well, United makes it easy to do so on this page.
While I've generally had great service on United's 737s, which offer the same ViaSat Wi-Fi you'll get for free via JetBlue, I just got off a 737-700 flight from Newark to Atlanta where the Wi-Fi wasn't working at all — so even United's more reliable Boeing narrow-body fleet isn't immune from the occasional hiccup.
If you're counting on getting work done on a transcon flight — or, worse, on a 16-hour trip from the East Coast to Hong Kong — even 10,000 miles won't make a dent in that lost productivity. For now, if you're traveling on a flight with Panasonic satellite Wi-Fi, which includes all of United's international fleet and select American Airlines long-haul aircraft, among others, it's safe to assume that the Wi-Fi is going to be especially sluggish, assuming you're able to get online at all.
That said, Panasonic has begun upgrading its older Gen 1 modems with the new "Gen 3" model, which is expected to deliver significantly improved throughput. Southwest is the first customer to get the new modem, which also supports additional live streaming television channels.
Eventually, 1,750 aircraft will be equipped with Panasonic's new Gen 3 modem and should offer the performance that we've all come to expect. The company says the rollout should be complete by the end of 2018.
Until that happens, unfortunately we'll have to continue to suffer throughout with the outdated hardware, meaning lots of frustration for airlines and their passengers alike.
Have you had a lousy experience with Panasonic's satellite Wi-Fi?
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.