United Airlines Starlink hits a key milestone with FAA approval ahead of its first commercial flight, which will launch in May 2025 with free, fast Wi-Fi.
United Airlines Starlink
United Airlines announced its deal with Starlink in September 2024, promising to bring free, high-speed satellite internet to its entire fleet. By early 2025, the airline confirmed it would begin retrofitting regional aircraft — specifically the Embraer E175 — with the first Starlink-enabled flights planned for spring.
Fast-forward to March 2025, and United has now received FAA certification for those aircraft, clearing the runway for its first commercial Starlink flight in May.
The airline plans to upgrade around 40 regional jets per month, aiming to complete its two-cabin regional fleet by the end of the year.
Superfast Internet United Airlines Starlink
Starlink uses Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi, unlike traditional in-flight systems, which rely on slower air-to-ground towers or ageing geostationary satellites. United will make Starlink access free for all MileagePlus® customers to stream, browse, or even join video calls.
The first FAA-certified aircraft is an Embraer E175, a common jet for regional routes within the US. These aircraft will now offer the same internet experience you’d expect in a hotel or office, only at 35,000 feet.
While previous announcements focused on potential, this FAA milestone confirms Starlink has cleared regulatory hurdles and is now ready for passengers as an operational reality.
We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United. We’re working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people.
Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology
The move also positions United as one of the first major US carriers to fully commit to LEO-based in-flight Wi-Fi, an advantage for tech-savvy travellers who prioritise productivity and streaming in the air.
For frequent flyers, this could mean a consistent, fast, and free Wi-Fi experience on short and long-haul trips, something legacy systems have rarely delivered.
If you’re booked on a United regional flight this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll be one of the first to try Starlink in the air. While United hasn’t confirmed exact routes, the initial rollout could focus on busy domestic corridors and tech-heavy hubs like San Francisco, Denver, and Chicago.
