- United’s inaugural Starlink mainline flight is scheduled for October 15, 2025
- Starlink Wi-Fi offers high-speed, low-latency internet for various inflight activities
- Starlink is free for United MileagePlus members
- Over half of United’s regional fleet already has Starlink installed
United Airlines is set to launch its first mainline flight equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi on October 15, 2025. United flight 2940 will depart from Newark/New York to Houston, marking a significant advancement in inflight internet services for a major U.S. airline. This new connectivity will be accessible on both personal devices and inflight entertainment screens, aiming to provide a high-speed, low-latency internet experience comparable to home. United plans to install Starlink on approximately 15 mainline Boeing 737-800 planes each month, with over half of its regional jet fleet already featuring the technology. The airline anticipates having an additional aircraft type certified for Starlink by the end of the year.
Over 170 customers on the inaugural Boeing 737-800 flight will have access to enhanced internet capabilities, allowing for activities such as live streaming, real-time work collaboration, online gaming, and seamless online shopping. This Starlink-equipped aircraft is also scheduled to operate flights from Houston to Fort Lauderdale and back on the same day. United intends to install two Starlink antennas on each 737-800 aircraft, with a total of nearly 2,940 antennas planned across its fleet, matching the first customer flight number.
Starlink Wi-Fi will be offered free of charge to United MileagePlus members. Customers will receive advance notification if their flight is equipped with Starlink. David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer, stated the company’s commitment to improving the onboard experience, emphasizing that Starlink will allow passengers to stay connected without interruption. Initial customer feedback from regional flights, where Starlink was first introduced in May 2025, has been positive, with 90 percent of customers appreciating the high-speed and consistent connection. This rollout aligns with United’s broader strategy to expand its number of seatback screens across its fleet, supported by new aircraft deliveries and existing aircraft retrofits.
