CHICAGO- By the end of 2025, United Airlines (UA) plans to integrate SpaceX’s Starlink WiFi, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet to passengers worldwide.
United has fast-tracked the implementation of Starlink, with testing scheduled to begin next month. The airline aims to enable its regional fleet first, followed by mainline aircraft, ensuring seamless connectivity for all passengers.
Photo: By Colin Brown Photography – https://www.flickr.com/photos/145232442@N02/48382990686/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81315081United Airlines Starlink WiFi
United Airlines (UA) is making history by becoming the first major U.S. airline to adopt Starlink WiFi, SpaceX’s premier satellite-based internet service.
This service promises unparalleled gate-to-gate connectivity, offering speeds and reliability akin to terrestrial broadband.
United’s initiative will outfit its entire fleet, including its regional two-cabin planes and mainline aircraft, ensuring passengers remain connected throughout their journey.
By spring, passengers aboard select United flights, beginning with Embraer E-175 planes, will experience this groundbreaking technology.
Unlike traditional inflight Wi-Fi, Starlink delivers high-speed internet capable of supporting activities like streaming, gaming, and online shopping on both seatback screens and personal devices.
Access to Starlink will be free for all MileagePlus members. Customers can easily join MileagePlus at no cost and immediately enjoy the benefits of this new connectivity.
Photo: Clément AlloingBenefits for MileagePlus Members
United’s integration of Starlink into its offerings is strategically tied to its MileagePlus program, consistently rated the best airline loyalty program globally. Key features of MileagePlus include:
- Free enrollment for all customers.
- Earning miles at no cost with no expiration.
- Flexible redemption—no blackout dates and miles usable for various purchases, from seats to snacks.
- Mile-sharing options—pool miles with family and friends in joint accounts.
On average, 31,000 daily United seats are filled using MileagePlus miles, equivalent to 100 fully booked Boeing 777 aircraft.
The loyalty program’s popularity increased in the summer of 2024, with over three million customers flying on award tickets.
Photo: Clément AlloingUnited’s Future Vision
United’s ambitious Starlink implementation stems from its September 2024 agreement with SpaceX, the largest of its kind in the airline industry.
This collaboration aims to redefine inflight experiences, opening opportunities for new partnerships and innovations.
Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, emphasized that Starlink is central to United’s plans to transform the passenger experience while unlocking unique benefits for loyalty program members.
Beyond entertainment and browsing, Starlink will support next-level inflight operations, creating opportunities for seamless communication between passengers, crew, and ground staff.
United’s bold move places it at the forefront of technological advancement in aviation, setting a new standard for inflight connectivity.
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