CHICAGO -- United Airlines is going wireless.

The carrier announced Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved its plan to provide wireless Internet access on domestic flights.

"Our research shows that connecting to the Internet is customers' most preferred form of communication to the ground, and this certification is a crucial step to bring this in-flight wireless access to our customers," said Dennis Cary, United's senior vice president of marketing.

The approval was granted after the airline and Verizon Communications successfully demonstrated last week that the use of wireless technology within the cabin does not affect the aircraft's operation.

There are hurdles to starting the service. United must demonstrate the technology works on each type of aircraft in its fleet. Plus, overseas flights will require a different technology, which United hasn't tested.

Also, the U.S. service can't begin until the Federal Communications Commission auctions licensing rights to Internet-service providers for the frequencies necessary to transmit data between the air and the ground.

Once a service provider is selected by the FCC, United said it will act quickly to bring Wi-Fi service to its passengers.

United is the world's second-largest carrier with a hub at Denver International Airport.