United Airlines Accelerates Starlink Rollout for In-Flight Connectivity “`

4edc8cf2ade26f023a7341edbebeb42d 1 United Announces Accelerated Timeline for Starlink's Industry-Leading Connectivity in the Sky

Starlink service is now projected to launch commercially this spring, with the entire two-cabin regional fleet equipped by year’s end and the first mainline aircraft by the end of 2025.

All MileagePlus® members will enjoy complimentary access, featuring enhanced inflight entertainment such as streaming, shopping, and gaming options.

Enroll in United’s acclaimed MileagePlus loyalty program for free at united.com/starlink.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2025 — United Airlines today announced an expedited rollout of Starlink, the world’s premier high-speed, reliable in-flight connectivity, for global travelers.

United Announces Accelerated Timeline for Starlink’s Industry-Leading Connectivity in the Sky

The airline anticipates commencing Starlink testing next month, with the inaugural commercial flight expected this spring on a United Embraer E-175 aircraft. United aims to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet by year-end and integrate Starlink into its first mainline aircraft before 2025 concludes.

United will ultimately equip its entire fleet with Starlink.

Access will be free for all MileagePlus members, offering cutting-edge in-flight entertainment options, including streaming services, online shopping, gaming, and more. MileagePlus membership is also free; sign-up is available at united.com/starlink.

“We have ambitious plans for our MileagePlus members this year, and rapidly expanding Starlink access across our fleet is a cornerstone of these plans,” said Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus. “This will not only revolutionize the United flying experience but also unlock numerous new partnerships and member benefits.”

Last September, United finalized the industry’s largest agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink to its entire fleet. In a few months, customers will enjoy consistent high-speed, low-latency internet service, mirroring their ground-based experience. This gate-to-gate connectivity will provide unparalleled in-flight experiences, accessible on both seatback screens and personal devices.

MileagePlus was recently rated  and includes the following features:

  • Free membership for all customers
  • Free mile accumulation
  • Miles never expire
  • Award seats available without blackout dates – any available seat can be purchased with miles
  • Miles can be used for virtually any cash purchase on United (seats, Wi-Fi, snacks, etc.)
  • United is the first major U.S. airline to allow loyalty members to pool miles with family and friends into a shared account.

Daily, approximately 31,000 United seats are filled by MileagePlus members using miles – equivalent to filling about 100 Boeing 777 aircraft. Over three million MileagePlus members utilized award tickets during summer 2024.

About United

At United, . With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most extensive global route network among North American carriers and is currently the world’s largest airline based on available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit and more information about the company is at . United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

About Starlink

Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency internet globally. As the world’s first and largest low Earth orbit satellite constellation, Starlink delivers broadband internet supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more.  Starlink is developed and managed by SpaceX. Leveraging extensive spacecraft and on-orbit operational experience, SpaceX is deploying the world’s most advanced broadband internet system.

United Airlines logo. (PRNewsFoto/United Airlines)

SOURCE United Airlines

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