United Starlink Wi-Fi Launch will Bring Free In-Flight Internet

The United Starlink Wi-Fi launch will bring free, high-speed internet to all United flights, offering streaming, gaming, and connectivity from gate to gate worldwide.

United Airlines has partnered with SpaceX to introduce a groundbreaking Wi-Fi offering powered by Starlink, marking a new era for inflight connectivity.

This industry-leading service will bring high-speed, low-latency internet to over 1,000 United aircraft, providing passengers with seamless, gate-to-gate internet access.

The collaboration between United and Starlink promises unprecedented performance. Travellers will be able to stream movies, access live TV, play online games, and even shop during their flight.

Whether on a personal device or seatback screen, this new service offers consistent, reliable connectivity, a first for U.S. airlines at this scale.

At the heart of United’s new service is Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network, which ensures robust coverage even over remote areas like oceans and polar regions, where traditional Wi-Fi and cell signals often fail.

Starlink’s advanced satellite technology promises to provide faster speeds and greater reliability, therefore enhancing the passenger experience by eliminating the typical inflight connectivity challenges.

With United’s extensive international network, particularly over the Atlantic and Pacific, this new partnership will keep passengers better connected during long-haul flights.

Starlink will enable travellers to use multiple devices, meaning travellers can access streaming services, shop online, and even play games without worrying about losing connection.

This service extends beyond personal devices, as United’s nearly 100,000 seatback screens will also offer access to these features. This upgrade will benefit each class of service, with 16-inch HD touch screens in United Polaris® business class, 13-inch screens in First Class, and 10-inch screens in Economy, ensuring that no seat misses out on the enhanced experience.

United’s Starlink Wi-Fi upgrade isn’t just for passengers.

The service will also enhance the tools used by United’s crew members, providing real-time information and operational capabilities even in the most remote regions. This will ensure smoother operations and quicker support for passengers, inflight and during unforeseen challenges such as natural disasters or power outages.

The rollout of United’s Starlink Wi-Fi will begin with testing in early 2025, with the first passenger flights expected later that year.

Over the next few years, the service will be installed across United’s fleet, gradually bringing this next-generation connectivity to all United aircraft.