Starlink In-Flight Internet Coming to United Planes Starting May 15

Key Takeaways

• Starlink will be available on United Airlines planes by May 15, 2025, offering select passengers free inflight internet.
• Sean Cudahy of The Points Guy participated in a test of United’s Starlink Wi-Fi before its official launch, which involved media invites.
• Connecting to Starlink was straightforward: Cudahy connected through Unitedwifi.com, navigated a landing page, and used the United app.
• Cudahy’s speed test showed impressive results: 217 Mbps download and 26.8 Mbps upload.
• Starlink’s speed allowed Cudahy to stream live news and MLB games simultaneously on different devices.
• Free Starlink Wi-Fi will be available to MileagePlus members, and using the United app is recommended for access.
• United plans to retrofit 300 Embraer 175 planes with Starlink hardware by year-end, installing equipment on 40 jets monthly.
• The FAA has approved Starlink installations on United planes, with plans to get approvals for over 16 aircraft models for a fleet-wide rollout.

Flying high above the clouds often severs us from the conveniences of ground-based connectivity. However, the skies are about to change with United Airlines’ ambitious initiative to equip its fleet with Starlink’s high-speed internet, fundamentally transforming the inflight experience.

The Dawn of a New Connectivity Era

In a groundbreaking move, United Airlines has announced the upcoming availability of Starlink internet services across its flights, starting by May 15, 2025. The iconic airline plans to offer select passengers complimentary internet access, potentially setting a new standard in inflight services. But what exactly does this mean for the average flyer?

Starlink: A Closer Look

Starlink: The Tech Behind the Magic

Starlink, a division of SpaceX, is known for its ambitious plan to provide global satellite internet coverage. Equipped with a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, it offers high-speed broadband internet, a significant upgrade from the traditionally sluggish inflight Wi-Fi options.

A Real-World Test: Sean Cudahy’s Experience

Recently, media outlets, including Sean Cudahy from The Points Guy, were invited to test United’s Starlink Wi-Fi. The process showcased a seamless connection experience. Here’s how it unfolded:

1. Initial Connection: Travelers connect via the Unitedwifi.com network.
2. Navigation and Verification: This leads to a landing page, further directing users to activate the service through the United app, after verifying their MileagePlus membership status.
3. Ease of Use: Connecting secondary devices was a breeze too, using QR codes for a quick setup.

A Performance That Stands Out

Impressive Speed and Reliability

Cudahy’s tests revealed that Starlink’s service clocks at an impressive 217 Mbps download and 26.8 Mbps upload speeds. This bandwidth is more than sufficient for data-intensive tasks, allowing activities such as streaming live news or sporting events without interruption. This level of speed and reliability in an inflight service is unprecedented and could redefine user expectations.

Broader Implications

Free Inflight Internet: A Game-Changer

By offering free Wi-Fi to MileagePlus members via Starlink, United is setting a benchmark in customer experience and loyalty programs. This move is not just about connectivity — it’s about strengthening the brand’s relationship with its passengers through innovative technology solutions.

Expanding the Fleet

United plans to retrofit its entire fleet of 300 Embraer 175 planes by the end of the year, equipping approximately 40 regional jets each month. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval paves the way for a broader rollout, targeting over 16 different aircraft models to eventually provide Wi-Fi across all flights.

The partnership between United Airlines and Starlink signifies a monumental shift in aviation and connectivity. Offering such a high-standard service inflight is not just a luxury but a testament to what the synergy of advanced technology and vision can achieve. Passengers no longer need to disconnect when they fly; instead, they can remain seamlessly integrated into their digital worlds, redefining what it means to travel.