United Airlines to Launch Starlink Wi-Fi on First Flights Spring 2025

United Airlines is accelerating its plan to integrate Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi into its aircraft, with the inaugural commercial flights projected to commence this spring.

Last year, United declared its commitment to enhance its in-flight Wi-Fi services utilizing SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, initiating testing in the spring with the first equipped flights expected later in the year. The airline has now announced that testing will begin “next month,” followed by the first commercial flight on an Embraer E-175 aircraft — a narrow-body regional plane accommodating up to 88 passengers — slated for the spring.

In addition, United plans to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink technology by the end of 2025 and aims to have its first mainline Starlink-enabled aircraft operational before the year concludes. Ultimately, the airline intends to retrofit its entire fleet of nearly 1,000 planes with Starlink Wi-Fi.

Currently, United Airlines employs four distinct Wi-Fi providers, as noted by travel site One Mile At A Time, utilizing Intelsat (formerly Gogo) for regional jets and Panasonic Wi-Fi for most wide-body jets. Additionally, Viasat Wi-Fi is used on many of its 737 Max aircraft, some A319s, and A321neos, with Viasat recognized for delivering superior speeds and being commonly found on flights operated by American and Delta Airlines.

While several international airlines have revealed plans to incorporate Starlink into their fleets, United stands out as the only major domestic carrier to adopt this SpaceX-owned technology to date. (JSX and Hawaiian Airlines have also announced intentions to integrate Starlink into their operations.)

Although in-flight Wi-Fi remains slow and inconsistent for many travelers, we are swiftly approaching a tipping point in expectations for rapid and complimentary connectivity. Mobile users are becoming accustomed to seamless video streaming and other conveniences, even at cruising altitude.

Starlink claims to offer download speeds ranging from 40–220Mbps and upload speeds of 8–25Mbps per terminal, which United asserts can effectively support streaming, gaming, and even videoconferencing. United’s Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi will be complimentary for its MileagePlus loyalty program members (with free signups available).

“We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year, and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can — as quickly as we can — is at the center of it all,” stated Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus. “This will not only revolutionize the flying experience with United but also unlock numerous new partnerships and benefits for our members that would otherwise be unattainable.”