United Airlines is set to transform the inflight experience by becoming the first major U.S. carrier to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi on all its flights.
In partnership with SpaceX, United will soon provide passengers with high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity, bringing the same seamless digital experience enjoyed on the ground to the skies.
Starting in early 2025, United will begin testing Starlink on its aircraft, with the first passenger flights expected later that year. This ambitious rollout will see Starlink installed on more than 1,000 aircraft across United’s mainline and regional fleet. Passengers will be able to stream live TV and movies, access social media, shop online, and play games, all without interruptions or the need to download content in advance.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” said Scott Kirby, United CEO. “This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized. United’s culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers.”
The new Wi-Fi service will be free for all passengers, making United the first airline to offer Starlink’s next-generation satellite internet at this scale. Leveraging SpaceX’s advanced satellite technology, Starlink delivers high-speed internet access even over oceans, polar regions, and remote locations that were previously out of reach for traditional inflight connectivity solutions. This service will revolutionize how passengers interact and stay connected while flying across both the Atlantic and Pacific, where United holds a significant presence.
Passengers will be able to use Starlink on multiple devices, including seatback screens and personal smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With nearly 100,000 seatback screens across its fleet, United plans to enhance its inflight entertainment offerings further as it continues to retrofit existing aircraft and introduce new planes with its signature interiors. The new interiors feature HD touch screens, Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets at every seat, larger overhead bins, and ambient LED lighting.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX, shared her excitement about the partnership: “We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience. With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between.”
The benefits of this enhanced connectivity extend beyond passengers. United’s frontline employees, including pilots, flight attendants, technicians, and gate agents, will also use the new Starlink service on their mobile devices to manage operations more efficiently. This capability will be particularly valuable when operating in remote locations or during power outages and natural disasters.
United’s Starlink partnership is just one part of its broader strategy to innovate and lead in customer service. The airline has introduced several industry-leading tools and services, such as the world’s most downloaded airline app with Live Activities, ConnectionSaver technology to help passengers make connecting flights, and dynamic seat maps to ensure families can sit together at no extra cost.
United’s continued push for innovation aims to redefine what travelers can expect in the air. With the rollout of Starlink’s Wi-Fi service, passengers will soon experience a new era of connectivity and entertainment at 35,000 feet.
