United Airlines has announced plans to introduce free, “fast, reliable Wi-Fi service” provided by SpaceX’s Starlink to its entire fleet of mainline and regional aircraft, starting in 2025. The carrier revealed the news on Friday, making United the second major U.S. airline to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi, following Delta Air Lines, which rolled out the service for SkyMiles members in early 2023.
The new “gate-to-gate connectivity” will be installed across more than 1,000 United planes in the coming years, providing passengers with seamless internet access from boarding to landing. Testing of the Starlink-powered Wi-Fi is expected to begin in early 2025, with the first passenger flights featuring the service anticipated later that same year.
Passengers will be able to use the high-speed internet on personal devices and on seatback screens, making it easier to stay connected during flights.
As for whether travelers will need to meet specific requirements, such as being a member of United’s MileagePlus loyalty program, details are still being finalized. “The exact details of this are still under development,” said a United spokesperson.
This initiative underscores United’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, providing a significant boost in connectivity for travelers in an era when staying online during flights is increasingly essential.
