Most flights don't allow you to stream video through sites and apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, or HBO. You can still access movies and TV shows through the United app. However, you can stream video on the following planes: select Airbus 319, select Boeing 737s, including the 737 MAX 8 and 9, and Boeing 757-300s.

Whether you can watch YouTube on airplane Wi-Fi depends entirely on the airline's specific satellite technology and the tier of service you purchase. Traditional airplane Wi-Fi was notoriously slow and often blocked high-bandwidth streaming sites to prevent the entire network from lagging. However, as of 2026, many airlines have upgraded to "High-Speed" or "Next-Gen" Wi-Fi powered by providers like Starlink or Viasat, which offer speeds comparable to home broadband. On carriers like Delta, JetBlue, or those using Starlink, streaming YouTube is now quite seamless. On many other airlines, you must specifically buy a "Streaming" or "Premium" package, as the "Basic" or "Messaging" tiers only allow for text and emails. It is important to remember that even with high speed, the "latency" (delay) can sometimes cause buffering. For a foolproof experience, it is always recommended to download your favorite YouTube videos for offline viewing before the flight. Additionally, out of respect for other passengers, most airlines strictly require the use of headphones when watching video content, as the cabin is a shared, quiet space.