United Airlines will begin offering Starlink Wi-Fi on its larger mainline aircraft starting next month. The airline plans to deploy the high-speed internet service on a Boeing 737-800 jet, with the first flight scheduled for October 15 from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). This expansion follows the successful introduction of Starlink on United Express regional jets, marking a significant upgrade in customer connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines will launch Starlink Wi-Fi on its first mainline Boeing 737-800 on October 15.
- The initial flight with Starlink will depart from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
- United has secured Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for this deployment.
- Starlink is already available on over half of United's regional jet fleet.
- The service will be free for all MileagePlus members on equipped aircraft.
Starlink Wi-Fi Arrives on Mainline Fleet
United Airlines has announced a major step in upgrading its inflight internet services. The carrier will bring its new Starlink Wi-Fi to mainline aircraft, starting with its Boeing 737-800 fleet. This move comes after months of installing the satellite internet system on smaller United Express regional jets.
The airline received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to install Starlink on its Boeing 737-800 planes. This approval allows United to proceed with its plan to offer faster, more reliable internet to a wider range of passengers. The first mainline flight with Starlink will take off on October 15.
Fast Fact
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access. This technology offers a significant improvement over traditional geostationary satellite internet services often used in aviation.
Grant Milstead, United's Vice President of Digital Technology, commented on the rollout.
"Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people," Milstead stated.This feedback from regional flights has encouraged the airline to accelerate its broader deployment plans.
Free Access for MileagePlus Members
A key feature of United's Starlink rollout is that the service will be complimentary for all MileagePlus members. This initiative aligns with a growing trend in the U.S. airline industry to offer free, high-quality Wi-Fi to passengers. Passengers can expect to access the internet at no additional cost once they are logged into their MileagePlus accounts.
Industry Context
The provision of free inflight Wi-Fi is becoming a standard offering among major U.S. airlines. Competitors like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines have either launched or announced plans for similar services. JetBlue has offered free browsing for years and recently enhanced its service.
United's long-term goal is to equip its entire fleet with the new Starlink internet service. This ambitious plan aims to ensure consistent, high-speed connectivity across all its aircraft types, from regional to international long-haul jets. The airline has not yet provided a full timeline for completing the entire fleet installation.
Progress on Regional Fleet Installations
Alongside the mainline expansion, United Airlines also reported significant progress on its regional jet installations. The carrier confirmed it has completed installing Starlink technology on more than half of its United Express regional fleet. This milestone means that passengers flying on many smaller jets are already experiencing the improved connectivity.
The initial debut of Starlink on a United Express Embraer 175 occurred in May 2025. This flight departed from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Early reports from passengers and aviation journalists indicated a dramatic improvement over previous Wi-Fi services, allowing for activities like working on one device while streaming video on another.
- May 2025: Starlink debuted on a United Express Embraer 175.
- September 2025: Over 50% of the regional fleet equipped.
- October 15, 2025: First mainline Boeing 737-800 flight with Starlink.
United had previously announced a target to complete Starlink installations on its two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025. The current progress suggests the airline is on track to meet or potentially exceed this goal. This rapid deployment reflects the airline's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through advanced technology.
Impact on Passenger Experience
The introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi is expected to significantly improve the passenger experience on United flights. Passengers will benefit from faster download and upload speeds, allowing for more seamless streaming, web browsing, and communication during flights. This high-caliber connectivity aims to make travel more productive and enjoyable.
The move to free Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members also adds value to the loyalty program. It encourages more passengers to join and utilize their membership for benefits beyond earning and redeeming miles. This strategy can help United compete in an increasingly connected travel market.
The airline's investment in Starlink underscores a broader industry shift towards prioritizing inflight connectivity. As travelers increasingly rely on constant internet access, airlines are responding by providing robust and often free Wi-Fi solutions. United's commitment to outfitting its entire fleet with Starlink positions it competitively within this evolving landscape.
