United Airlines Offers Free Starlink Wi-Fi
Ah, United Airlines. Known more for its passenger punching sprees than technology prowess, it’s now turning a corner! Historically, the airline has been playing catch-up with its rivals, American and Delta, especially regarding Wi-Fi. But worry not, folks. That dreary gap in tech is about to close.
United previously announced, with more fanfare than a presidential election, its plans to roll out free Starlink Wi-Fi across the skies. And now, an exciting SKY-Nouncing update: United has installed Starlink on its inaugural plane, and the FAA’s thumbs up means this could be a serious game-changer.
Starlink Wi-Fi Up, Up, and Away on 1,000+ United Jets
In an ambitious move, United’s teamed up with SpaceX to get Starlink on over a thousand of its jets. This isn’t your everyday Wi-Fi deal; it’s the coolest partnership since PB met J. Even cooler, this cosmic connection comes free for all MileagePlus members! It seems inevitable as United paddles hard to remain in the race with Delta, who also offers super-fast Wi-Fi for free.
Starlink’s high-speed broadband will bring sky-high entertainment to your fingertips, from live streaming to gaming. It’s like surfing online, right there on your flight to the Val Seny ski resort or elsewhere!
In the theatrical world of airline Wi-Fi, Starlink is making waves. Airlines worldwide, like airBaltic, Air France, and Hawaiian Airlines, to name just a few, are jumping on-board the Starlink bandwagon.
Even better? The setup for Starlink literally flies by. It takes about eight hours to install, a mere drop in the ocean compared to outdated systems.
United might just be the George Lucas of airlines with its tech savviness. Perhaps this explains why United skipped a massive Wi-Fi makeover with older systems and instead took the Starlink leap.
Voices from Up High at United
Take it from United CEO Scott Kirby:
“With Starlink, everything you can do at sea level, you can soon do from 35,000 feet up. Goodbye, waiting for wheels to touch ground. Hello, uninterrupted cruising through cyberspace with top-notch entertainment at every seat. Once again, United is raising the innovation bar for our customers.”
United MileagePlus CEO Richard Nunn also chimed in:
“What we have planned for MileagePlus members this year is game-changing, and Starlink is at its heart. It’s not only going to elevate our inflight experience but will also open doors to new partnerships and benefits we couldn’t imagine before.”
Rollout Timeline: Welcome to the Future
United’s rollout plan is no less ambitious than a moon landing. The airline envisions Starlink on more than 1,000 planes, starting with its regional jets.
A few weeks ago, the first United Express Embraer E175 was starlinked, launching a trial phase that has now landed FAA certification. Cue the wild applause!
From May 2025, United will commence installing Starlink on over 40 planes monthly, aiming for its entire fleet by year-end. Here’s a nod to United’s efficiency; the entire regional fleet should be Starlink-equipped by the end of 2025, putting other airlines to shame.
What comes next? Good things come to those who wait, as anyone flying a mainline jet must be patient. Expect the entire fleet to get the celestial upgrade over a few years. It’s akin to planting a tree and reaping the fruit – it takes time but will be worth the wait.
Each plane model needs its own special certification, adding to the anticipation. As it stands, United juggles four Wi-Fi providers:
- Intelsat for regional jets
- Panasonic on most wide-body jets, and some A319s, A320s, 757s
- Thales for many non-MAX 737s
- Viasat on most 737 MAXs, A321neos, select A319s
Final Words: A New Era for United
United is indeed going front-and-center with free Starlink Wi-Fi, addressing its tech woes with a flourish. In the battle of inflight connectivity, it’s ready to be in the spotlight, rather than being ho-hum behind Delta and American.
While Starlink is making its grand entrance on regional jets, the mainline stars are yet to join the cosmic dance by 2025. Yet, patience is a virtue you’ll need to embrace as Starlink makes its mark on over a thousand United aircraft.
Buckle up folks, the Wi-Fi revolution has taken off. United is soaring to where no airline has gone before!
So, what do you make of United’s decision to bring Starlink Wi-Fi aboard?