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United Airlines is revolutionizing its in-flight experience by progressively introducing Starlink Wi-Fi across its primary fleet, beginning with a significant flight from Newark to Houston. This initiative marks a pivotal moment, making United the first major U.S. carrier to provide such advanced connectivity, allowing seamless internet access on personal devices and entertainment screens. The airline anticipates a rapid deployment, with plans to outfit a substantial number of aircraft monthly, significantly elevating the standard for passenger connectivity.

This widespread implementation of Starlink is part of a larger strategy to enhance passenger amenities, ensuring that travelers can enjoy high-speed internet for various activities, from professional work to leisure pursuits like streaming and gaming. With positive initial feedback from regional jet trials, United is committed to transforming the air travel experience, complementing its investment in new aircraft and modern seatback entertainment systems to deliver unparalleled comfort and convenience.

United Airlines Elevates In-flight Connectivity with Starlink Integration

United Airlines is pioneering a new era of air travel by integrating Starlink Wi-Fi across its mainline fleet, commencing with a landmark flight from Newark to Houston. This strategic rollout positions United as the first major U.S. airline to offer high-speed, home-comparable internet access directly from the sky, transforming the passenger experience. Passengers will now have the unprecedented ability to stream, game, work, and browse with exceptional ease on both their personal devices and the aircraft’s in-flight entertainment systems.

The deployment plan is ambitious, targeting the installation of Starlink on up to 15 Boeing 737-800 aircraft each month, with further types of aircraft expected to be certified for the service by the end of the year. This rapid expansion follows successful trials on regional jets, which garnered strong positive feedback from travelers, highlighting the demand for superior in-flight connectivity. MileagePlus members are set to benefit from complimentary access, receiving notifications prior to departure on equipped flights. This initiative underscores United’s commitment to enhancing the travel journey, enabling passengers to stay connected and entertained throughout their flight, and setting a new benchmark for air travel convenience and luxury.

Transforming the Travel Experience: United's Vision for Connected Flights

United Airlines is set to significantly upgrade the onboard experience by broadly rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi, starting with its mainline operations. This innovative step is designed to offer passengers an internet experience akin to that at home, facilitating activities from streaming live events and engaging in real-time collaboration to gaming and online shopping, all while airborne. The initial launch on a Newark-Houston flight utilizing a Boeing 737-800, equipped with two Starlink antennas, marks the beginning of a comprehensive fleet-wide upgrade. Each month, approximately 15 more 737-800s will receive this state-of-the-art system, with plans to certify additional aircraft models before the year concludes.

The airline’s Chief Customer Officer, David Kinzelman, emphasizes that this enhancement is part of a broader strategy to elevate passenger satisfaction through superior connectivity, allowing for multiple devices to connect simultaneously. This initiative builds on the success of Starlink's earlier deployment on regional jets in May 2025, which saw 90% of customers praise the streaming capabilities. Beyond Wi-Fi, United's multi-billion-dollar investment extends to retrofitting and integrating over 300,000 seatback screens, making it the U.S. carrier with the most in-flight entertainment options. This holistic approach ensures a premium, connected, and entertaining journey for all United passengers, further solidifying its position as an industry leader in customer experience.