United Airlines launches free Starlink Wi-Fi on May 15
United Airlines is set to revolutionize in-flight connectivity by becoming the first U.S. carrier to debut Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on its regional United Express jets, starting Thursday, May 15. This move marks a significant step forward in enhancing the digital travel experience, with long-haul aircraft also set to follow.
Developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, Starlink promises to dramatically outperform traditional in-flight Wi-Fi, delivering blazing-fast speeds of up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps). Passengers will be able to stream movies, TV shows, and more on multiple devices at once—something current systems rarely support reliably.
United's new system isn’t just faster—it’s also more resilient. Thanks to Starlink’s laser link satellite technology, weather conditions on the ground won't interrupt connectivity, and passengers can remain connected even while flying over oceans or remote regions. That’s a stark contrast to existing systems, where signals can vanish mid-flight and speeds often struggle under heavy demand.
In a statement, United called this rollout a game-changer: “This gate-to-gate connectivity will enable experiences in the sky at scale that no other major U.S. airline provides, on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.”
The airline plans to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink by the end of the year, with over 300 aircraft installations expected in 2024 alone. According to United's Vice President of Digital Technology, Grant Milstead, the rapid deployment has been made possible by Starlink’s advanced infrastructure and the strong collaboration between teams.
Other global carriers including Qatar Airways, Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, and airBaltic have also announced plans to adopt Starlink.
Unlike some rivals that charge for in-flight internet—American Airlines, for example, charges up to $60 for monthly Wi-Fi—Starlink access on United will be free, but only for MileagePlus members. Non-members won’t be able to access any Wi-Fi at all, as the old system is being removed during the Starlink installation.
Alongside high-speed browsing, United is promising enhanced inflight entertainment, shopping, gaming, and more, turning the cabin into a fully connected digital environment.
For travelers tired of sluggish, expensive in-flight Wi-Fi, May 15 marks the beginning of a new era.
