United Airlines is making history with its first mainline flight equipped with Starlink Internet, offering passengers high-speed connectivity on personal devices and inflight entertainment screens. Flight 2940, departing from Newark, New Jersey to Houston, Texas, marks a major milestone in inflight internet technology for the U.S. carrier.
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What Happened: Starlink Comes to United Airlines
United Airlines announced that Flight 2940 will be the first mainline flight to feature Elon Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to:
- Stream movies and live events
- Work online from multiple devices simultaneously
- Enjoy seamless connectivity across inflight entertainment screens
The airline plans to equip 15 mainline Boeing 737-800 aircraft per month with Starlink, expanding availability beyond its regional fleet.
Background: Starlink Expands to Airlines
Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, is extending its services beyond rural and consumer internet access. United Airlines’ adoption reflects a growing trend of airlines upgrading inflight connectivity to meet rising passenger expectations.
Previously, in May 2024, Carnival Corporation outfitted all its cruise ships with Starlink Internet, demonstrating adoption of the technology across travel sectors.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer, highlighted the benefits:
“Whether it’s watching a live game, streaming an awards show, or getting work done, United customers will never miss a beat when they’re on a Starlink-equipped flight.”
Starlink Wi-Fi supports multiple devices at once, and MileagePlus loyalty members receive free access. This initiative is part of United Airlines’ ongoing commitment to modernize onboard experiences and provide best-in-class inflight connectivity.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Travelers and tech enthusiasts have welcomed the announcement, praising the convenience of high-speed Wi-Fi on mainline flights. Passengers shared their excitement online, with hashtags such as:
- #UnitedStarlink
- #InflightWiFi
- #UnitedAirlines
Feedback highlights anticipation for streaming capabilities, live events, and improved work productivity during flights.
What’s Next
United Airlines plans to expand Starlink Wi-Fi to more aircraft types before the end of 2025. The airline emphasizes that this rollout is part of a broader strategy to enhance passenger satisfaction and maintain a competitive edge in the airline industry.
Conclusion
The introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi on United Airlines mainline flights represents a major step forward in inflight connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy reliable, high-speed internet while traveling, making work, entertainment, and communication easier than ever. This innovation sets a new standard for airline technology and passenger experience.