United to offer Starlink Wi-Fi for free
16 Sep 2024
United customers will soon enjoy high-speed, low-latency internet service for free during their flight.
The new, gate-to-gate connectivity will offer access to live TV and streaming services, social media, shopping, gaming and more, on seatback screens and personal devices.
United expects to have Starlink on all United aircraft – more than 1,000 planes – over the next several years.
Testing begins in early 2025 with the first passenger flights expected later that year.
Starlink service on United aircraft will be free.
“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 United CEO Scott Kirby.
“This Starlink connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback.”
“We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO at SpaceX.
“With Starlink onboard, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate.”
The new service will also benefit United’s frontline employees – United pilots, flight attendants, technicians and gate agents all use mobile devices to help run the operation and serve customers.
