United Airlines is set to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi via the SpaceX satellite internet service Starlink, the company said in an announcement Friday.
“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’s CEO, in the announcement. “This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized.”
The airline said it expects the technology to be on all of the over 1,000 United aircrafts “over the next several years.” It also said the start of 2025 will mark the commencement of “testing” and the first passenger flights with the service are expected later in the year.
“We’re excited to team up with @United Airlines to transform the in-flight experience across their fleet of more than 1,000 planes!” said SpaceX Chief Operating Officer and President Gwynne Shotwell in a post on X. “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.”
Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, the controversial tech billionaire who endorsed former President Trump in mid-July after an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
United Airlines has announced an exciting new partnership with SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, to revolutionize in-flight connectivity. The collaboration will bring high-speed Wi-Fi to United flights, allowing passengers to access the internet at 35,000 feet as seamlessly as they would on the ground. This move positions United to significantly improve the onboard experience by integrating cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of its passengers.
United Airlines is well known for consistently seeking ways to enhance passenger comfort and experience. With this announcement, United has reiterated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of air travel. According to Scott Kirby, United’s CEO, the vision behind this move is to make in-flight internet service fast, accessible, and reliable. He emphasized that “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.” By leveraging Starlink’s advanced satellite technology, United aims to create an in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience that rivals at-home streaming and browsing, with more content customized for each passenger through every seatback screen.
This marks a departure from traditional in-flight Wi-Fi, which can often be slow, unreliable, and limited in coverage. The Starlink technology will deliver high-speed broadband internet, making activities like streaming videos, attending virtual meetings, or even online gaming possible during flights.
United Airlines plans to roll out Starlink on over 1,000 of its aircraft, with full fleet integration expected to take several years. Starting in early 2025, United will begin testing the service, with the first passenger flights benefiting from Starlink connectivity by late 2025. This gradual introduction will allow the airline to ensure that the system meets both its technical requirements and the expectations of passengers.
Once fully operational, United will join a select group of airlines offering satellite-powered in-flight internet, providing a significant competitive advantage in a market where connectivity has become a critical factor for both leisure and business travelers. Airlines have increasingly recognized that passengers now expect a seamless experience, including the ability to remain connected throughout their journey, and United is stepping up to the challenge.
The decision to work with SpaceX’s Starlink reflects United’s forward-thinking approach to integrating cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead in the competitive airline industry. This partnership could also be a model for other airlines looking to upgrade their in-flight services in the coming years.
SpaceX’s Starlink, the satellite internet venture spearheaded by Elon Musk, has been rapidly expanding its global reach since its inception. Originally designed to bring internet access to remote areas, Starlink now offers internet speeds comparable to those found in urban areas with fiber optic connections. It has been praised for its low latency, which makes it ideal for activities like video conferencing or real-time gaming—activities that have traditionally been impossible on commercial flights due to sluggish or unreliable Wi-Fi.
Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites enables it to deliver fast, high-capacity internet with fewer interruptions and lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite systems. This advanced technology will be particularly useful for United’s long-haul flights, where passengers often experience spotty internet service when flying over oceans or remote regions.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, shared her excitement about the partnership on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We’re excited to team up with @United Airlines to transform the in-flight experience across their fleet of more than 1,000 planes! 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 impact of this development extends beyond simple internet access. United’s move could pave the way for a new era of in-flight entertainment and productivity. Traditionally, airlines have offered a mix of preloaded content such as movies, TV shows, and games. However, with fast, reliable Wi-Fi, passengers could have access to their personal streaming subscriptions, making it easier to watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ while flying. Additionally, those needing to work during flights could use platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams without worrying about dropped connections.
Moreover, this technology could make United’s services more appealing to business travelers, a key demographic for the airline industry. Having the ability to send emails, join virtual meetings, and complete tasks online in-flight could be a game-changer, saving professionals time and allowing them to be more productive during their journeys.
For leisure travelers, this also means staying connected with friends and family, sharing real-time updates on social media, or simply passing the time with online entertainment during long-haul flights. The idea that “airplane mode” might soon be a thing of the past is an exciting prospect for many.
The airline industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and the addition of Starlink could give United a significant edge. Customers have become more discerning, often choosing airlines based on amenities that enhance their experience beyond just the price of a ticket. In-flight Wi-Fi is frequently cited as one of the most desired features among travelers, and the ability to offer reliable, high-speed internet could become a key differentiator for United in the coming years.
As airlines recover from the financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, innovations like this will be crucial for attracting and retaining customers. With leisure and business travel both on the rebound, United’s partnership with Starlink positions it to capitalize on this recovery by offering services that meet the modern traveler’s expectations.
Additionally, this move could inspire other airlines to seek similar partnerships with satellite internet providers. With several competitors, such as Delta and American Airlines, also exploring ways to improve their in-flight Wi-Fi offerings, United’s deal with Starlink could set a new industry standard for what passengers expect from air travel.
While the promise of seamless, high-speed internet at 35,000 feet is exciting, the implementation will likely face challenges. Deploying this technology across such a large fleet will be a complex and costly endeavor, and ensuring that the service functions consistently across various types of aircraft and flight routes may require significant fine-tuning.
However, if successful, United’s partnership with Starlink could represent a major leap forward for the airline industry. As connectivity becomes an increasingly important part of daily life, offering reliable in-flight internet is no longer just a luxury; it’s an essential service that airlines must provide to stay competitive.
For United, the opportunities are immense. The ability to offer a superior in-flight experience could lead to higher customer satisfaction, increased loyalty, and ultimately, greater profitability. The airline’s collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink could also foster further technological innovations, positioning United as a leader in integrating cutting-edge solutions into its passenger services.
United Airlines’ partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink promises to transform in-flight connectivity and entertainment. As the airline industry evolves, this collaboration could set a new standard for what passengers expect from their travel experience, offering faster, more reliable internet at 35,000 feet, no matter where they are in the world.