United Airlines partners with SpaceX’s Starlink to offer free onboard Wi-Fi

United has signed an agreement with SpaceX to provide fast, reliable Starlink Wi-Fi service to the airline’s mainline and regional aircraft fleet for free. United customers will soon be able to enjoy the same fast, low-latency internet service in the air that they enjoy on the ground. The new gate-to-gate connectivity will enable groundbreaking in-flight experiences, such as access to live TV and streaming services, social media, shopping, gaming and more, all on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.

United expects Starlink to be available on all United aircraft within the next few years. Testing is expected to begin in early 2025, with the first passenger flights scheduled to take place later that year. United will be the first carrier in the world to commit to offering Starlink service at this scale.

United’s new Starlink Wi-Fi service will include experiences such as live streaming, workplace productivity, gaming, e-commerce and live assistance with the United app. In addition to using Starlink connectivity on personal devices, United customers will also have access on seatback screens. The new service will also benefit United’s frontline employees, namely United pilots, flight attendants, technicians and gate agents, who all use mobile devices to help run operations and serve customers.