United Airlines is set to introduce Starlink on May 15, and it's generating a lot of excitement with glowing previews!
United Airlines Introduces High-Speed Starlink Wi-Fi on Flights
United Airlines is set to revolutionise in-flight connectivity with the launch of free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi starting this month. The debut flight will be operated by an Embraer 175 regional jet on May 15, flight UA5717 from Chicago O'Hare to Detroit [1].
The Starlink service on United provides "gate-to-gate" connectivity, allowing flyers to get online immediately upon boarding [2]. Multiple devices can be connected simultaneously to the Starlink network on United flights, offering a seamless experience for all passengers [3].
The performance of Starlink on United Airlines flights is exceptional, delivering download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps and sometimes reaching over 200 Mbps, with upload speeds around 20 Mbps or higher [1][2]. This performance is significantly better than traditional in-flight Wi-Fi, with low latency around 44 ms, enabling smooth streaming, video chatting, and online gaming [3][4].
United has equipped about 60 regional jets with Starlink and plans to offer it on all regional jets by the end of 2025 [2][3]. The service is currently free for passengers on airlines that provide it, contrasting with typical fees of $10 to $25 on other services [3].
Regarding benefits for MileagePlus members, while the search results do not explicitly detail specific perks directly tied to MileagePlus for Starlink use, United’s strategy to enhance passenger experience with fast, free Wi-Fi indirectly benefits all travelers, including MileagePlus members, by enabling better connectivity inflight for work or entertainment [1][2][3].
The Points Guy has called the performance of Starlink "faster than some home internet" [5]. A QR code system allows for seamless pairing of devices on United flights, and connecting to the Starlink network on United was described as "quick and easy" using the United mobile app [6].
United aims to begin outfitting its mainline aircraft with Starlink later in 2025 [7]. Testing on United's Starlink network showed the ability to stream live MLB games and simultaneous coverage of events like the papal election from Rome at 30,000 feet [8]. Network speeds of 217 Mbps download and 26.8 Mbps upload were achieved at 35,000 feet [9].
With the introduction of Starlink, United Airlines is setting a new standard for in-flight internet service, providing a much-improved passenger experience.
References:
- United Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi on Flights Starting This Month
- United Airlines to Equip 60 Regional Jets with Starlink Wi-Fi by Year-End
- United Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi on Flights Starting This Month
- Starlink’s In-Flight Wi-Fi Now Offers Speeds That Beat Ground-Based Connections
- United Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi on Flights Starting This Month
- United Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi on Flights Starting This Month
- United Airlines to Equip Mainline Aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi Later in 2025
- United Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi on Flights Starting This Month
- Starlink’s In-Flight Wi-Fi Now Offers Speeds That Beat Ground-Based Connections
- United Airlines' implementation of Starlink Wi-Fi on flights represents a fusion of travel and technology, promising a more engaging lifestyle for flyers with improved connectivity during their journey.
- During leisure moments on United flights, passengers can now enjoy smooth streaming of sports events or virtual travel experiences at speeds surpassing some home internet connections, thanks to the high-performance Starlink Wi-Fi service.
