United Airlines is set to enhance the in-flight experience by rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi across its Boeing jets, a significant portion of its mainline fleet.
The inaugural flight featuring Starlink Wi-Fi will be a Boeing 737-800, taking off on October 15, 2025, from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston. This flight, UA 2940, coincidentally matches the number of antennas United plans to install across its fleet.
Previously, Starlink was limited to smaller planes in the United Express regional fleet, making this expansion particularly exciting for passengers. The Boeing 737-800 is the first of United’s aircraft to receive FAA certification for Starlink installation, with more models expected to follow. Notably, Starlink Wi-Fi will be complimentary for all
United MileagePlus
members.
However, patience is key, as the rollout will take time given United’s fleet of over 1,000 mainline aircraft.
I had the opportunity to experience Starlink on a media flight from Chicago to Chicago (yes, you read that correctly). During a similar flight in May 2025 for the
United Express-Starlink launch
, it was evident that United had made significant improvements. This time, the experience felt faster, smoother, and more streamlined.
Here’s what you can expect when flying on a Starlink-enabled plane.
How fast is Starlink Wi-Fi on United?
I conducted several speed tests using Speedtest by Ookla, consistently achieving download speeds between 250 and 400 megabits per second, with upload speeds ranging from 15 to 50 megabits per second.
To put that into perspective, it took me about five seconds to download the Ookla app (170 MB), and I was able to stream high-quality live TV on the Peacock app without any issues.
While speeds were slightly lower on my laptop, they remained impressive, with one test showing 200 Mbps download and 45 Mbps upload. I could watch multiple YouTube videos simultaneously without any problems.
In contrast, during the regional flight, I faced issues with slow-loading YouTube thumbnails. Fortunately, this time was different, likely due to fewer media members onboard. However, one passenger across the aisle tested the system with at least five devices.
Starlink operates using a network of low Earth orbit satellites, enabling significantly faster speeds in-flight. Additionally, the Starlink equipment is lighter than traditional Wi-Fi systems, contributing to improved fuel efficiency, as noted by Mara Palcisco, United’s vice president for engineering and reliability.
Another advantage is that Starlink technology is less affected by weather conditions compared to traditional systems, according to Palcisco.
How do you sign on to Starlink?
To access Starlink on United flights, you’ll need a United MileagePlus account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up onboard.
Starlink offers gate-to-gate connectivity, meaning you can access the service as soon as you board. Simply connect to the “unitedwifi.com” network and follow the prompts in the pop-up window.
I recommend installing the United app and signing into your account before your flight. This way, the system will automatically recognize you as a MileagePlus member, allowing you to bypass additional login screens.
Once connected, you’ll be greeted with engaging graphics that outline the rules for using in-flight Wi-Fi. In summary, passengers are prohibited from making voice or video calls and should avoid viewing content that may be deemed offensive.
You’ll need to watch a brief advertisement (mine was for
United credit cards
), and then you’re free to browse as you wish.
If you have additional devices, you’ll follow similar steps to connect to the unitedwifi.com network. Instead of signing in again, you can scan a QR code with your phone’s camera for automatic login.
How Starlink changes the passenger experience
United is promoting Starlink as a transformative technology for flights, particularly in enhancing the passenger experience through seatback screens.
With Starlink, United can deliver live data to seatback screens, which can assist passengers with connecting flights by providing real-time gate updates and flight statuses.
Additionally, United has announced digital content partnerships with Spotify and Apple TV, with more collaborations anticipated in the near future.
The rollout of Starlink aligns with United’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, including plans to install over 300,000 seatback screens across its fleet, the highest of any airline. In May 2025, United showcased its
“United Elevated”
interiors on new Boeing 787-9 planes, featuring 13-inch 4K OLED screens in coach.
“The rationale behind our initiatives stems from the conveniences we enjoy on Earth: 24/7 access across any device. This experience has been lacking in the sky,” stated Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus at the event. “With Starlink, we can finally bridge that gap.”
When will my United flight have Starlink?
As of June 2025, United operates 1,039 planes in its mainline fleet, with 812 being narrowbody aircraft like the Boeing 737-800. This indicates that the rollout will take some time to complete.
United anticipates installing Starlink on up to 15 Boeing 737-800 planes each month. Unlike regional planes, these will be equipped with two antennas each, effectively doubling the available bandwidth for these larger aircraft.
According to Grant Milstead, United’s vice president of digital technology, the airline is prioritizing planes that would benefit most from this technology, especially those currently using air-to-ground systems that rely on ground-based cell towers.
Following the 737-800s, the focus will shift to the 737-900s and 737-900ERs. Existing widebody planes will receive the Starlink upgrade later, although new Boeing 787-9 planes are expected to come equipped with Starlink from the outset.
On the regional side, United has made rapid progress since May 2025, with over half of its regional fleet now equipped with Starlink. By year-end, the service is projected to be available on nearly 300 regional planes.
Earlier this year, regional planes faced static interference issues that led to a temporary shutdown of Starlink service. However, Doug Stoltz, United’s director of cabin systems engineering, confirmed that the airline has tested the issue to ensure it won’t affect mainline planes.
Top photo by Benjamin Din/NerdWallet.
