United Airlines
announced on Friday that it will offer free Starlink
WiFi throughout its entire fleet after testing the speedy WiFi service in early 2025. The first passenger flights are expected later next year. This is the first time a major U.S. airline has offered such a service to more than 1,000 United planes, making United the first to provide Starlink’s technology on this scale.
Expanding connectivity across the skies
United CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement:
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world.”
“This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized. United’s culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers.”
Photo: United Airlines
United Airlines’ plan to roll out Starlink WiFi throughout its entire fleet is part of a larger effort to improve in-flight services. The airline is collaborating with Elon Musk’s SpaceX
, which developed Starlink, to capitalize on technology that uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to offer high-speed internet. The Chicago-based carrier said Starlink’s service will be more dependable, particularly overseas and in other isolated places, significantly benefiting the airline’s long-haul international network across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Passengers can also watch live TV and stream content using several devices simultaneously.
Photo: Simple Flying
In-Flight WiFi is essential… and competitive
This initiative is a big step forward in the airline’s efforts to improve in-flight connection while offering a more seamless travel experience for passengers. In recent years, the airline has significantly invested in fleet upgrades, onboard facilities, and customer service enhancements.
As of now, United Airlines offers in-flight internet through four providers, including gogo
, Panasonic
, Thales and viasat
. Access to domestic and short-haul international flights costs $8 for MileagePlus members and $10 for non-members.
Delta Air Lines
recently announced in early 2023 that its SkyMiles loyalty program members are getting free onboard WiFi through a partnership with T-Mobile. In 2022, the company reported testing SpaceX’s Starlink internet for its planes, but no deals have been announced. JetBlue Airways
, 
American Airlines
, and 
Southwest Airlines
have all offered or announced plans to provide free internet in recent years.
Starlink’s expansion
SpaceX has struck deals with several airlines to provide in-flight internet connectivity using Starlink, including Hawaiian Airlines
and the public charter carrier JSX Air
in the United States. Internationally, it has also partnered with 
Qatar Airways
, Air Baltic Corp., Air New Zealand
, and ZIPAIR Tokyo
. Recently, WestJet
announced plans to install Starlink WiFi on some of its aircraft starting in December, while Qatar Airways will offer free Starlink WiFi on three Boeing 777-300s later this year. Air New Zealand aims to expand Starlink coverage to its domestic fleet by 2025.
Since its launch in 2020, SpaceX has gradually expanded its Starlink network and product offerings. Currently, over 6,000 Starlink satellites are in orbit, connecting more than 3 million consumers in 100 countries. SpaceX primarily focused on consumer consumers but is now expanding into additional industries, including aviation.
However, according to The Wall Street Journal, the Federal Aviation Administration
must approve SpaceX’s Starlink equipment before it can be installed aboard United Airlines flights. Passengers who wish to enjoy the service might have to wait for a while.