United Airlines is set to revolutionize in-flight connectivity by introducing Elon Musk's Starlink Wi-Fi service this spring. The airline will begin testing the service on its Embraer E-175 aircraft in February, with plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025.
Initially, free access to Starlink will be exclusive to MileagePlus members, marking a shift from previous plans to offer it to all passengers. This partnership, first announced in September 2024, aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet, enabling streaming, shopping, and real-time document sharing during flights.
Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, has been expanding its reach beyond rural consumers to include airlines, with existing partnerships that include Hawaiian Airlines and JSX. The integration of Starlink into United's fleet signifies a major step towards enhancing the overall passenger experience and setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity.