United Airlines recently tested a new Starlink satellite Wi-Fi system during a short 90-minute flight. This fast and reliable service allows passengers to stay connected, marking a shift from traditional in-flight Wi-Fi standards. The test highlighted United's partnership with SpaceX and showcased the cabin's festive atmosphere, with executives serving passengers. United aims to implement Starlink on its fleet, with the first commercial flights starting May 15, 2025, significantly changing how travelers engage during flights and removing the need for airplane mode restrictions.
As expected, the Wi-Fi was very fast and left me wondering whether this will herald the end of spotty in-flight Wi-Fi, expensive connectivity fees, or even the quaint notion that we can avoid work altogether while cruising at 30,000 feet in the air.
It used to be that airlines would tell passengers to switch their phones to airplane mode before taking off for 'safety reasons.' Now, United is encouraging its customers to browse, stream, and game to their heart's content thanks to a new partnership with SpaceX's Starlink.
Last year, United became the first of the big three domestic airlines to announce its plan to add Starlink-powered Wi-Fi to its fleet, with the first commercial flights expected to start at the end of 2025.
United assembled an interesting group of passengers for the test flight. In addition to me and a couple other journalists, I saw a few online influencers, a Twitch streamer, and someone from video game publisher Blizzard.
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