United Airlines Cleared for Starlink Wi-Fi on Mainline Jets, Game-Changing In-Flight Connectivity is Here
The Details
The first mainline aircraft to receive this certification is a Boeing 737-800. The inaugural commercial flight with Starlink Wi-Fi is scheduled to take off from Newark (EWR) on October 15th. This comes after the successful rollout of Starlink on United’s regional fleet, where it has already been installed on over half of the Embraer E175 jets.
What This Means for You
For United passengers, this is a game-changer. The Starlink service will be free for all MileagePlus members and will offer speeds of up to 250 Mbps. This means you’ll be able to:
- Stream movies and TV shows without buffering
- Enjoy online gaming and video calls
- Stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues from gate to gate
The Bigger Picture
United’s move to install Starlink across its fleet is part of a larger trend of airlines upgrading their in-flight connectivity. The Starlink system, developed by SpaceX, uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide a faster and more reliable internet connection than traditional satellite-based systems.
Beyond the passenger experience, the Starlink system also offers operational benefits for United. The equipment is lighter than older systems, which translates to fuel savings. It’s also easier and faster to install and maintain, meaning less downtime for aircraft.
The Journey to a More Connected Fleet
United’s partnership with Starlink was first announced in September 2024, with the airline committing to outfitting its entire fleet with the new technology. The rollout began with United’s regional fleet, with the first Starlink-equipped Embraer E175 taking flight in May 2025. The positive feedback from customers on these regional flights has been a driving force behind the accelerated timeline for mainline jets.
A key aspect of this initiative is that the high-speed Wi-Fi will be offered for free to all United MileagePlus members. This move is a clear indication of United’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience and providing more value to its loyal flyers.
What’s Next?
United plans to continue rolling out Starlink across its fleet, with plans to equip more than 16 different regional and mainline aircraft models. As more planes are outfitted with this new technology, more and more United passengers will be able to enjoy a superior in-flight Wi-Fi experience. This development puts United at the forefront of in-flight connectivity and sets a new standard for the industry.
