United Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi on All Flights Starting in 2025
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines has signed a deal with Starlink, the satellite internet unit of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to provide free Wi-Fi to all flights.
- Testing will commence in early 2022, and the first passenger flights with free Starlink Wi-Fi are expected to launch in 2025.
- United is the first major U.S. airline to offer Starlink, providing passengers with high-speed, low-latency internet service in the air.
- Rivals Delta and JetBlue already offer free Wi-Fi, while American and Southwest do not.
United Airlines (UAL) has announced that it will offer free Starlink Wi-Fi service to its passengers starting in 2025. The airline has partnered with Starlink, a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to bring satellite internet access to over 1,000 planes in the coming years. Testing for the service will begin in early 2022, with the first passenger flights featuring Starlink Wi-Fi expected to launch in 2025.
United’s partnership with Starlink makes it the first major U.S. airline to provide this service to its passengers. The carrier aims to offer passengers “the same high-speed, low-latency internet service in the air that they enjoy on the ground,” according to a statement from United.
The Growth of Free Wi-Fi
The introduction of free Wi-Fi on flights has been a growing trend in the airline industry. United’s rival, Delta Air Lines (DAL), already offers free internet service provided by T-Mobile US (TMUS) on the majority of its domestic U.S. flights. By the end of 2024, Delta plans to extend this service to its global routes, with full availability expected by early 2025.
JetBlue Airways (JBLU) is another airline that offers free Wi-Fi on domestic flights, as well as on a portion of its international routes.
However, American Airlines (AAL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) currently do not provide free Wi-Fi to their passengers.
The move by United to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi is seen as a competitive advantage in the airline industry, as passengers increasingly rely on internet connectivity during their flights. The availability of free Wi-Fi can enhance the overall travel experience and provide passengers with the ability to stay connected, work, or stream entertainment while in the air.
United’s decision to partner with Starlink is significant, as the service is known for its high-speed and low-latency internet capabilities. Passengers can expect a seamless internet experience similar to what they enjoy on the ground.
The announcement of free Starlink Wi-Fi on United flights has been well-received by investors. United’s shares rose 2% to $50.63 in early afternoon trading on the day of the announcement. The stock has seen a 23% increase in value this year.
With the increasing demand for connectivity, airlines are recognizing the importance of offering free Wi-Fi to attract and retain customers. The availability of free Wi-Fi has become a deciding factor for many travelers when choosing an airline.
In conclusion, United Airlines’ partnership with Starlink to offer free Wi-Fi on all flights starting in 2025 is a significant development in the airline industry. United is the first major U.S. airline to provide this service, giving passengers access to high-speed, low-latency internet in the air. The move aligns with the growing trend of airlines offering free Wi-Fi to enhance the overall travel experience. As the demand for connectivity continues to rise, it is expected that more airlines will follow suit and provide free Wi-Fi to meet the expectations of modern travelers.
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