When United Flight 2940 takes off from Newark to Houston tomorrow (Oct. 15), it will be the first time a major US airline has offered Starlink WiFi on a mainline flight with connectivity across both personal devices and inflight entertainment screens. The airline expects to install Starlink on up to 15 mainline 737-800 planes each month; more than half of United’s regional fleet already offers Starlink. By the end of the year, the airline expects to have an additional aircraft type certified to offer Starlink.
More than 170 customers onboard the Boeing 737-800 tomorrow, said an announcement, will enjoy the same kind of high-speed, low-latency internet experience they have at home, unlocking experiences like live TV and streaming services, shopping, gaming and more.
Starlink WiFi is free for United MileagePlus members, and customers will receive a notification before their flight if it’s equipped with Starlink.
David Kinzelman, chief customer officer, said, “We’re committed to raising the bar when it comes to the onboard experience, and with Starlink, we’re changing how people fly.” Whether it’s catching a live game, streaming an award show or working, he said, “United customers won’t miss a beat when they’re onboard a Starlink-equipped flight.”