United Teams Up with SpaceX to Offer Free Inflight Wi-Fi

United Airlines has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to offer Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet for free.

This deal, the largest of its kind in the airline industry, will bring high-speed, low-latency internet service to more than 1,000 United aircraft, providing gate-to-gate connectivity on domestic and international flights.

United’s collaboration with SpaceX signifies a major leap forward in inflight entertainment and connectivity, offering passengers a seamless Wi-Fi experience as they expect on the ground.

With this announcement, United joins the ranks of Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air Baltic, ZIPAIR, and JSX as the primary providers of the inflight connectivity tool.

A New Era of Connectivity

Starlink, engineered by SpaceX, leverages advanced satellite technology to deliver internet access even in remote locations such as over oceans and polar regions. Thanks to its network of low-orbiting satellites, Starlink can provide download speeds of up to 350Mbps, enabling passengers to use their devices for online gaming, streaming, video calling, VPN access, and browsing seamlessly.

Photo: Courtesy of Anirudh / Unsplash

“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.

This means passengers can live stream TV shows, access social media, shop online, and even join video calls while flying—all without the lag or interruptions typical of inflight Wi-Fi.

The rollout of this cutting-edge service will begin testing in early 2025, with the first passenger flights expected later that year.

United plans to equip all its mainline and regional aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi in the coming years.

Game-Changing Wi-Fi at 35,000 Feet

The new Starlink service opens up a range of possibilities for passengers. Travelers will no longer need to download content before boarding or settle for slow, spotty Wi-Fi.

“[Starlink] will replace all of its other providers (Intelsat, Viasat, Panasonic) and bring free connectivity to all passengers eventually,” tweeted aviation journalist Jason Rabinowitz. He also criticized American Airlines for not offering free connectivity to its customers, stating that “[Starlink] puts all of the legacy Wi-Fi providers on notice and may force competing airlines to follow suit. Looking specifically at American, which doesn’t even offer free messaging right now.”

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines.

Instead, at United, Starlink’s high-speed connection will allow for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and even real-time work collaboration in the air. The service will support multiple devices, meaning passengers can simultaneously connect their phones, laptops, and tablets under one user account.

“Starlink’s fast and free Wi-Fi is coming to all United planes!” tweeted Joanna Stern, a senior personal tech columnist for The Wall Street Journal. “As a frequent United flyer, I haven’t been this excited since they swapped the peanuts with decent trail mix.”

Enhanced IFE

United is already known for its commitment to inflight entertainment, boasting nearly 100,000 seatback screens across its fleet. With the introduction of Starlink, these screens are set to become even more interactive.

Passengers will enjoy a broader range of content, available in over 20 languages, and be able to stream live TV, movies, and more without any buffering.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

The new United signature interiors also feature 16-inch HD touch screens in Polaris business class, 13-inch in First Class, and 10-inch in Economy.

“We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO at SpaceX. “With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate and all the miles in between.”

Wi-Fi for Work and Play

United’s passengers won’t be the only ones benefitting from Starlink’s next-gen connectivity. The airline’s frontline employees, including pilots, flight attendants, and gate agents, will also have access to the fast, reliable service.

This enhancement will allow United staff to handle real-time operations more efficiently, even in remote areas or during emergencies when traditional communication might fail.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

For business travelers, the ability to upload and download documents, participate in video conferences, and stay connected to colleagues will make working from the air as efficient as working on the ground.

“In-flight Starlink is so good that once you experience it, you will seek out planes that have it and shun flights that don’t,” said Matt Popovich, a tech expert, on Twitter.

“A couple of years from now, we’re all going to wonder how we ever lived without it,” Popovich said.

On Top of the Tech Wave

With this partnership, United again proves itself a leader in airline innovation. In recent years, the airline has continuously enhanced its passenger experience, and this latest collaboration with SpaceX underscores its commitment to delivering top-notch service.

Last year, United won the Best Airline App prize at The Business Traveler Awards. This year, the airline is once again a candidate, and the final results will be announced in November.

Photo: Valentina Perez / @tinapphoto

From adding more seatback screens and power outlets to offering free Wi-Fi, United is pushing the envelope in how airlines connect with their passengers.

As Scott Kirby highlighted, “This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback—more content, that’s more personalized. United’s culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers.”

While passengers will begin experiencing Starlink Wi-Fi on United flights starting in 2025, the airline’s pledge to continually improving its inflight offerings guarantees that more advancements are on the horizon. With United’s extensive international network and its leadership in transatlantic and transpacific routes, the addition of Starlink will set a new standard for what passengers expect regarding inflight Wi-Fi.