I recently purchased in-flight Wi-Fi on a United Airlines flight and was disappointed by its poor performance. However, United is set to launch Starlink Wi-Fi on its United Express regional jets, with the first commercial flight scheduled for May 15, 2025, from Chicago to Detroit. The Embraer 175 plane operating this flight will be the first of United’s regional jets to offer Starlink service by the end of the year.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, aims to provide high-speed internet access to users worldwide through a network of low Earth-orbit satellites.
United plans to equip its entire fleet with Starlink, offering free Wi-Fi to United MileagePlus members. This new service is expected to revolutionize in-flight connectivity by providing gate-to-gate access for multiple devices.
I had the opportunity to test the Starlink service on a media flight and found it to be a significant improvement over traditional in-flight Wi-Fi.
Logging in to Starlink Wi-Fi
To access Starlink Wi-Fi, passengers need a MileagePlus account and must connect to the United Wi-Fi network. Once connected, users will be prompted to review and agree to the terms of use before signing in with their MileagePlus account.
(Screenshots by Benjamin Din)
After agreeing to the terms, users may encounter a few advertisements before gaining access to the Wi-Fi network. Additional devices can easily be connected by joining the Wi-Fi network or visiting onboard.united.com.
United is still fine-tuning the service, but overall, the user experience is straightforward and user-friendly.
The internet speeds offered by Starlink are impressive, with download speeds reaching over 100 Mbps. Passengers can enjoy seamless streaming, browsing, and even video calls during their flights.
(Screenshots by Benjamin Din)
While there may be occasional fluctuations in speed, the overall performance of Starlink is a vast improvement over traditional in-flight Wi-Fi services.
Starlink’s gate-to-gate connectivity ensures that passengers can stay connected throughout their entire journey, offering a seamless online experience from takeoff to landing.
(Photo by Benjamin Din)
Overall, the introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi on United Airlines is a game-changer for in-flight connectivity, offering passengers a faster and more reliable internet experience.
How to check if your flight has Starlink
Passengers can easily verify if their flight offers Starlink Wi-Fi by checking the “entertainment” section under “inflight amenities” on their flight’s status page. Starlink-enabled aircraft will display “Internet by Starlink, free for United MileagePlus members.”
(Screenshot by Benjamin Din)
What I’m looking forward to the most
As a frequent flyer with United Airlines, I am excited about the potential of Starlink to enhance the in-flight experience, especially on long-haul international flights. I look forward to the expansion of Starlink across United’s entire fleet and the industry’s shift towards offering free Wi-Fi to passengers.
With several airlines adopting free Wi-Fi services, including Starlink, it seems that complimentary internet access is becoming a standard offering in the aviation industry.
Top photo courtesy of United Airlines.