{"id":2881,"date":"2025-10-15T13:05:50","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:05:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/united-is-bringing-starlink-to-its-first-737-and-its-seriously-fast\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:05:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:05:50","slug":"united-is-bringing-starlink-to-its-first-737-and-its-seriously-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/united-is-bringing-starlink-to-its-first-737-and-its-seriously-fast\/","title":{"rendered":"United Is Bringing Starlink to Its First 737, and It\u2019s Seriously Fast"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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&#8217;s aircraft to receive FAA certification for Starlink installation, with more models expected to follow. Notably, Starlink Wi-Fi will be complimentary for all <\/span><br \/>\n      <a class=\"_28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO _3mJuQ4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/article\/travel\/united-airlines-mileageplus-program-the-complete-guide\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><br \/>\n        <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">United MileagePlus<\/span><br \/>\n      <\/a><br \/>\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> members.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">However, patience is key, as the rollout will take time given United&#8217;s fleet of over 1,000 mainline aircraft.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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 <\/span><br \/>\n      <a class=\"_28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO _3mJuQ4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/article\/travel\/starlink-wifi\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><br \/>\n        <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">United Express-Starlink launch<\/span><br \/>\n      <\/a><br \/>\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">, it was evident that United had made significant improvements. This time, the experience felt faster, smoother, and more streamlined.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Here\u2019s what you can expect when flying on a Starlink-enabled plane.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\" id=\"how-fast-is-starlink-wi-fi-on-united\">\n      <span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">How fast is Starlink Wi-Fi on United?<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8\" style=\"width:1440px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;max-width:100%\">\n<figure class=\"_3ngNGS\">\n<div class=\"xkItPk\" style=\"background-color:transparent\">\n<div class=\"_30SBGi x6Nm1J\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Text, Electronics, Mobile Phone\" class=\"Zsn_9Z\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/tachyon\/2025\/10\/image2-2.png?fit=1440%2C1218\" credit=\"nerdwallet\" id=\"1850855\"\/>\n          <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div><figcaption class=\"yYnXEF\"\/>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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\u2019s vice president for engineering and reliability.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Another advantage is that Starlink technology is less affected by weather conditions compared to traditional systems, according to Palcisco.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\" id=\"how-do-you-sign-on-to-starlink\">\n      <span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">How do you sign on to Starlink?<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">To access Starlink on United flights, you\u2019ll need a United MileagePlus account. If you don\u2019t have one, you can sign up onboard.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Starlink offers gate-to-gate connectivity, meaning you can access the service as soon as you board. Simply connect to the \u201cunitedwifi.com\u201d network and follow the prompts in the pop-up window.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8\" style=\"width:1440px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;max-width:100%\">\n<figure class=\"_3ngNGS\">\n<div class=\"xkItPk\" style=\"background-color:transparent\">\n<div class=\"_30SBGi x6Nm1J\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Text, Business Card, Paper\" class=\"Zsn_9Z\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/tachyon\/2025\/10\/image1-2.png?fit=1440%2C1214\" credit=\"nerdwallet\" id=\"1850858\"\/>\n          <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div><figcaption class=\"yYnXEF\"\/>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Once connected, you\u2019ll 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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">You\u2019ll need to watch a brief advertisement (mine was for <\/span><br \/>\n      <a class=\"_28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO _3mJuQ4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/article\/travel\/is-united-credit-card-worth-it\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><br \/>\n        <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">United credit cards<\/span><br \/>\n      <\/a><br \/>\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">), and then you\u2019re free to browse as you wish.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">If you have additional devices, you\u2019ll follow similar steps to connect to the unitedwifi.com network. Instead of signing in again, you can scan a QR code with your phone\u2019s camera for automatic login.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8\" style=\"width:1440px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;max-width:100%\">\n<figure class=\"_3ngNGS\">\n<div class=\"xkItPk\" style=\"background-color:transparent\">\n<div class=\"_30SBGi x6Nm1J\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nature, Night, Outdoors\" class=\"Zsn_9Z\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/tachyon\/2025\/10\/image4-1.png?fit=1440%2C1026\" credit=\"nerdwallet\" id=\"1850846\"\/>\n          <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div><figcaption class=\"yYnXEF\"\/>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\" id=\"how-starlink-changes-the-passenger-experience\">\n      <span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">How Starlink changes the passenger experience<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">United is promoting Starlink as a transformative technology for flights, particularly in enhancing the passenger experience through seatback screens.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Additionally, United has announced digital content partnerships with Spotify and Apple TV, with more collaborations anticipated in the near future.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">The rollout of Starlink aligns with United&#8217;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 <\/span><br \/>\n      <a class=\"_28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO _3mJuQ4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/article\/travel\/united-polaris-studio-inside-the-airlines-new-business-class-seats\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><br \/>\n        <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\u201cUnited Elevated\u201d<\/span><br \/>\n      <\/a><br \/>\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> interiors on new Boeing 787-9 planes, featuring 13-inch 4K OLED screens in coach.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\u201cThe 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,\u201d stated Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus at the event. \u201cWith Starlink, we can finally bridge that gap.\u201d<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\" id=\"when-will-my-united-flight-have-starlink\">\n      <span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">When will my United flight have Starlink?<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">According to Grant Milstead, United\u2019s 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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">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.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Earlier this year, regional planes faced static interference issues that led to a temporary shutdown of Starlink service. However, Doug Stoltz, United\u2019s director of cabin systems engineering, confirmed that the airline has tested the issue to ensure it won&#8217;t affect mainline planes.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">\n      <span class=\"_98KgO7 _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Top photo by Benjamin Din\/NerdWallet.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8 _3eCw6n\">\n<p><h3 class=\"_21EZtY eHXiWO _3_uGsM _28z5Fp _28CJ7N _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\" id=\"how-to-maximize-your-rewards\">\n            <span class=\"_21EZtY eHXiWO _3_uGsM _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">How to maximize your rewards<\/span><br \/>\n          <\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2882,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2881","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2881","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2881"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2881\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2882"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2881"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2881"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igorsplayground.com\/appcheckr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2881"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}