Starlink Comes to United Airlines – But They’re Not the First
United Airlines’ recent partnership with Starlink, announced on Friday the 13th of September (clearly their PR team isn’t the superstitious type), brings free high-speed WiFi to all passengers across their entire fleet—mainline and regional. While this is a big move for United, they aren’t the first to embrace Starlink. Airlines like Hawaiian, and international carriers such as Qatar Airways have already integrated Starlink for their passengers. Delta made a valiant effort in 2023 with Viasat’s satellite internet service (T-Mobile).
That said, United’s plan to equip over 1,000 planes makes this one of the largest airline-wide Starlink rollouts to date. Passengers can expect seamless gate-to-gate connectivity, even in remote areas like oceans and polar regions. Testing kicks off in early 2025, with full passenger service expected later that year.
The In-Flight Experience: Streaming, Gaming, and More—No Buffering in Sight
While United has worked with multiple Wi-Fi providers (like Gogo and Viasat), this move to Starlink means more reliable, low-latency internet at 35,000 feet. Passengers can:
- Stream live TV, movies, and shows without lagging.
- Play online games on their devices with real-time connectivity.
- Use multiple devices at once—work on your laptop, scroll on your phone, and more.
Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series or working in cloud applications, this partnership takes in-flight connectivity to the next level, rivaling home WiFi speeds.
How United Plans to Stand Out
Although other airlines are also offering Starlink, United is aiming to differentiate itself by offering an enhanced entertainment experience. Passengers will enjoy high-speed internet on seatback screens as well as personal devices, with nearly 100,000 seatback screens across the fleet and more to come through retrofits and new aircraft.
Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity, larger overhead bins, and power in every seat, the goal is to make flying more enjoyable and productive, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure.
What to Look Forward to in 2025
By late 2025, United’s entire fleet will offer free Starlink WiFi, making it easier than ever to stay connected in the skies. Whether you’re sending emails, catching up on work, or streaming movies, this upgrade promises to keep you buffer-free throughout your flight.
For passengers excited to try out the new service, keep an eye out for updates on early test flights in 2025. With the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites from SpaceX, United customers can expect an internet experience that keeps pace with their needs—no matter where they’re flying.
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