United Airlines Sets Date for First Starlink Flights

United Airlines will fly its first Starlink-equipped planes in May.

The airline, which signed a deal to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to its fleet about eight months ago, will debut the service on a United Express Embraer 175 in May after receiving FAA approval for the installation. That jet serves regional routes for United.

United plans to add Starlink to 40 of those jets each month and expects to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet—more than 300 planes—by the end of 2025. The airline will test Starlink on some of those routes before the official launch.

More than 16 regional and mainline aircraft models will receive Starlink. The speed of the rollout will depend on FAA approval for each jet type.

“We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United,” said Grant Milstead, United’s vice president of digital technology. “We’re working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people.”

Once fully launched, Starlink will be free for all United MileagePlus members, allowing passengers to stream movies and live TV, game, shop online, and work across multiple devices at no extra charge. They’ll also be able to use Starlink to connect with a United customer support agent via the United app for real-time flight updates or to make changes while in flight.

Passengers will be able to access the service through their personal devices or seatback screens.