United Airlines flies 1st mainline Starlink-equipped flight: How it works & what passengers really think
October 16, 2025
United Airlines has become the first major U.S. carrier to operate a Starlink-equipped mainline flight. The milestone occurred on October 15, when United Flight 2940 departed from Newark (EWR) bound for Houston (IAH) at 8 a.m. ET.
For the 170 passengers onboard the Boeing 737-800, it was the first opportunity to experience SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network on a large United aircraft, with WiFi connectivity available across both personal devices and seatback entertainment screens.
Later in the day, the same aircraft also operated Houston–Fort Lauderdale (Flight 365) and Fort Lauderdale–Houston (Flight 445), completing its first full day of Starlink service.
A connectivity milestone for United
The flight number United assigned for the launch — 2940 — was significant as the carrier expects to install around 2,940 Starlink antennas across its fleet.
“We’re committed to raising the bar when it comes to the onboard experience, and with Starlink, we’re changing how people fly,” said David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer. “Whether it’s catching a live game, streaming an award show or working, United customers won’t miss a beat when they’re onboard a Starlink-equipped flight.”
Each 737-800 aircraft will have two Starlink antennas installed, delivering the same high-speed, low-latency internet passengers expect at home. United plans to install Starlink on up to 15 Boeing 737-800s per month and expects another aircraft type to be certified by year’s end.
“Actually Amazing”: Passenger reactions to United’s Starlink WiFi
Travellers on the launch flight shared their experience using the new Starlink on X (formerly Twitter):
“Amazing, love it.” —Jack M
It's amazing, love it. Particularly that it worked the entire time on the plane, even before the door was closed.
— Jack M (@JackMeh36259878) October 15, 2025
“No hiccups or disconnections” — iceman
the new wifi is actually amazing
— iceman (@007iceman_) October 15, 2025
did this speedtest right as we hit cruising altitude, no hiccups or disconnections
great stuff united hope the other major airlines follow suit pic.twitter.com/Qh4TQVnhu4
“Hopefully, Starlink rollout is accelerated” — VGT111.5
4K videos on YouTube! Worked great, had no issues! Side note: I love the new IFE UI on the Starlink 738. And, I love the new animated globe with the brand new, "Thanks for Flying With Us" screen!
— VGT111.5 (@1002iahdillon) October 15, 2025
Hopefully Starlink rollout is accelerated. This will be a big advantage you guys… pic.twitter.com/rgFLv4FR4w
United’s in-flight Starlink connectivity: what you need to know
As social media buzzes about the new in-flight connectivity service, passengers still have questions about whether they need to pay for Starlink WiFi or how to determine if their flight offers Starlink connections. Here are the key details passengers need to know:
Is the Starlink connection free?
Yes — Starlink WiFi is free for United MileagePlus members, but only members can use the service. Anyone can join the airline’s loyalty programme without charge ahead of the flight. Non-members can also enrol during the flight through the onboard WiFi portal.
For domestic and short-haul flights, MileagePlus members pay around $8 for the airline’s other WiFi services, and others pay $10, depending on the route. Connection costs vary for long-haul international flights. The airline also sells an unlimited in-flight WiFi subscription for a flat monthly fee. Prices start at $49 or 7,500 miles a month with a MileagePlus account.
How to tell if your United Airlines flight has Starlink
Passengers receive a notification before departure if their flight offers Starlink service.
How fast is it?
United and early reviewers report speeds ranging from 200 to 400 Mbps down and 20 to 40 Mbps up, depending on user load and route. In practical terms, passengers can stream HD video, use VPNs, and upload large files with ease — something rarely possible on traditional in-flight networks.
What you can do with Starlink onboard
United says the Starlink connection supports:
- Live streaming of TV, movies, and sports without buffering.
- Real-time work collaboration — file sharing, editing, and cloud sync.
- Online gaming at 30,000 feet.
- Shopping and reservations during the flight.
- Multiple-device use — connect your phone, tablet, laptop, and seatback screen simultaneously.
Connectivity runs gate-to-gate, remaining active from boarding through landing.
What you can’t do with Starlink onboard
Although a fast Starlink connection will open up numerous possibilities, the airline has some restrictions and etiquette requirements to follow.
- No in-flight Zoom: Voice and video calls are prohibited in-flight by federal law.
- Keep the sound down: Passengers should use headphones to watch and listen to audio and video.
- Mind the content rating: Passengers should not view content that might be offensive to others.
How soon will Starlink be available on all United flights?
Over half of United’s Embraer E175 regional jets already have Starlink, which began to roll out in May of this year. The airline says customers surveyed who flew on those aircraft show 90% satisfaction with the system’s reliability and ease of use.
Flew on @United’s E175s featuring @Starlink Wi-Fi on my trip to Toronto and back
— rahi (@rahi713) October 15, 2025
Not bad for being in the air at 35,000 feet! pic.twitter.com/nmu03k9xS7
United will now begin upgrading its mainline narrowbody fleet, starting with 737-800s, at a pace of roughly 15 installations per month.
The airline must certify the antenna installations for each aircraft type it operates before it can switch on the service, so it will be some time before Starlink is available fleet-wide. But customers are already asking.
Flight UA877 from San Francisco to Hong Kong on October 17 is scheduled to use a Boeing 777-300ER. At this time, Starlink Wi-Fi isn’t available on that aircraft type. The rollout started with Boeing 737-800s and will expand gradually, but long-haul planes like the 777 haven’t…
— United Airlines (@united) October 16, 2025
United confirmed plans to certify Starlink on another aircraft before the end of the year, though it did not disclose the aircraft type in its announcement.
United is building a connected cabin
The Starlink rollout is part of United’s broader investment in in-flight entertainment and connectivity. That includes installing 300,000-plus seatback screens across its fleet. Those screens are now integrated with the Starlink network, on installed aircraft, enabling real-time features such as gate updates, flight connections, and live entertainment.
The ultimate goal, United says, is to make connectivity a seamless part of the travel experience rather than a paid add-on.
What United’s new Starlink connections mean for passengers and competitors
In the race for high-speed in-flight internet, United’s partnership with SpaceX is setting a new standard.
As one passenger summed it up on X:
This is a big move, @United. ⚡
— Chad Phillips | #ReplyRadar 📡 (@csnakedoc13) October 16, 2025
As an entrepreneur who runs multiple companies on the go, reliable in-flight Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury — it’s a competitive advantage.@Starlink connectivity means business leaders can actually work at 35,000 feet, not just catch up on emails. That’s…
Starlink could reshape passenger expectations across the industry as Delta and American Airlines seek their own connectivity upgrades.
Featured Image: United Airlines
