United Airlines Adding Free In-Flight Internet Service Via Starlink

SpaceX’s Starlink internet service is coming to United Airlines. Throughout next year, United will be testing Starlink on some domestic flights, giving passengers “gate-to-gate” internet access for free.

Ultimately, over 1,000 jets will have free Starlink internet service available. Yet, it will take a few years to complete the Wi-Fi upgrades, which include replacing antennas and networking equipment. United presently uses a handful of internet providers, such as ViaSat and Panasonic, with passengers paying between $8 and $10, depending on loyalty program status.

While standard Wi-Fi service aboard planes is notoriously slow, Starlink notes speeds can reach up to 220 Mbps and less than 99 ms latency on planes. The improved service could allow passengers to flawlessly stream movies, play online games, and conduct video calls.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” said United CEO Scott Kirby in the announcement.

According to United, even employees will benefit from Starlink. Pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, and technicians will be able to better serve customers with fast and reliable internet access, whether on the ground or in the air. Even when working in remote areas or during power outages, Starlink would help employees keep operations running smoothly.

SpaceX launched Starlink in 2020 and has since continued to increase its network and services. Over 3 million customers in 100 countries currently get internet access via 6,000 satellites orbiting the Earth. SpaceX owner Elon Musk recently boasted that Starlink will likely “deliver over 90% of all space-based Internet traffic next year.”

Hawaiian Airlines introduced complimentary in-flight internet through Starlink earlier this year. SpaceX has also made deals with international carriers, including WestJet and Qatar Airways, to provide free in-flight internet before the end of this year. With free Starlink internet eventually also available on United flights, it likely won’t be long before rival carriers follow suit.