While there are lots of areas where United Airlines has been improving, Wi-Fi is an area where the carrier has historically lagged both American and Delta. Fortunately that’s changing — in September 2024, United announced plans to introduce free Starlink Wi-Fi throughout its fleet.
The first regional jet with this feature entered service in May 2025. There’s now an exciting update, as the first mainline aircraft will shortly be flying with Starlink Wi-Fi. This will be a game changer for United, once available on a widespread basis.
In this post:
United Airlines installing Starlink Wi-Fi on 1,000+ jets
United Airlines is partnering with SpaceX, to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi on more than 1,000 aircraft. This is the largest Starlink deal we’ve seen with an airline to date. Best of all, United plans to offer Starlink Wi-Fi for free to all MileagePlus members. That’s not surprising, when you consider that United is increasingly in Delta’s league, and Delta is offering fast and free Wi-Fi.
Starlink is known for its high-speed, low-latency broadband internet, and the service is offered gate to gate. United highlights how Starlink Wi-Fi allows for live streaming, productivity similar to on the ground (with high upload and download speeds), gaming, e-commerce, support for multiple devices, and more.
Starlink is becoming increasingly popular on airlines. So far we’ve seen carriers like airBaltic, Air France, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet, all announce plans to install the service.
What’s also great about Starlink is that the installation process is pretty quick, once aircraft are certified to have it installed. The average Starlink installation time is around eight hours, which is 10 times as fast than with non-Starlink equipment.
United is by far the most tech-savvy US airline, and I’d be willing to bet that the airline invests more in technology than peers. So it’s fitting that United would also go with the most cutting edge Wi-Fi provider. This would also explain why United didn’t announce a larger Wi-Fi retrofit plan with one of the more established inflight Wi-Fi providers prior to a year ago. Sometimes it pays to wait.
Here’s how Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology, describes this:
“Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people. We’re working to install Starlink and offer game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more.”
United Airlines Starlink Wi-Fi rollout progress & timeline
What’s United’s plan for rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi? United expects to eventually offer Starlink Wi-Fi on 1,000+ planes, including all mainline aircraft and regional jets. We don’t know when the installation will be complete, other than that it’ll happen “over the next few years.”
In order for Starlink Wi-Fi to be installed, the airline needs Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for each plane type, so that includes a total of 16 regional and mainline aircraft models. The FAA certification process involves approval of the design, installation, testing, and certification of the system, to ensure safe and reliable operations.
In May 2025, United began Starlink Wi-Fi installation on regional jets, with the United Express Embraer E175s being the first to get the service. At this point, over half of the United Express fleet has Starlink. The airline is continuing to add this service to 50+ regional jets per month, and hopes to have that installation done by the end of the year.
When you go to united.com and look up flight status, you can see if a flight is expected to have Starlink based on the below banner.
The latest update is that the FAA has approved STC for Starlink Wi-Fi installation on the Boeing 737-800, so the first of those planes is expected to enter service with Starlink as of October 15, 2025. We can expect that more 737s will get the service installed quickly.
It’s anyone’s guess what happens next, though one thing that we do know is that United plans to have Starlink on its new premium Boeing 787-9s, featuring the new Polaris seats and Polaris Studio. Those are expected to be among the first wide body planes to get the service, and they’re expected to enter international service as of early 2026.
For some context on United’s Wi-Fi situation, prior to Starlink, the airline is using four different Wi-Fi providers:
- The regional jets have Intelsat Wi-Fi (formerly known as Gogo)
- Most wide body jets, plus select A319s, A320s, and 757s, have Panasonic Wi-Fi
- Most non-MAX 737s have Thales Wi-Fi
- Most 737 MAX aircraft, A321neos, and select A319s, have Viasat Wi-Fi
Bottom line
United Airlines is rolling out free Starlink Wi-Fi throughout its fleet. United has been lagging American and Delta when it comes to inflight connectivity, but that’s now rapidly changing. In the spring, United began Starlink Wi-Fi installation on the United Express regional jet fleet, and the entire regional fleet should have the service before the end of the year.
Now we’re seeing the first Boeing 737s with the new service, so you can expect that those planes will be getting Starlink installed pretty aggressively. After that, we’ll see Starlink Wi-Fi installed on newly delivered Boeing 787s, or at least that’s the goal. Over the coming years, we should see Starlink Wi-Fi installed on over 1,000 aircraft, though as you can tell, that’ll require some patience.
What do you make of United rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi?
They seriously need this on the 777s - particularly domestic routes (i.e. EWR -> SFO). The wifi has been unbarely lately
UA definitely has the best app of any airline I have flown (and that includes DL).
Hilarious! “other than that it’ll happen “over the next few years.”
I flew an E175 with this and was surprised by the speed - it worked great.
Yeahh....I like United.
A correction: United is NOT planning to introduce Starlink on the B787-9 that are entering service later this year and early next year. These will still be delivered with the Panasonic Wi-Fi system that other B787s have. Introduction of Starlink on the B787 is not committed to a timeline yet.
correct. and I don't believe that Starlink has been certified on ANY 787. UA is not alone in that regard.
Not sure what it is about the 787 compared to the A350 - both of which are carbon fiber reinforced aircraft as are major parts of the A220- but the 787 clearly is a much more complicated aircraft for Starlink instalations.
It is also noteworthy that AA already has high speed WiFi and will...
correct. and I don't believe that Starlink has been certified on ANY 787. UA is not alone in that regard.
Not sure what it is about the 787 compared to the A350 - both of which are carbon fiber reinforced aircraft as are major parts of the A220- but the 787 clearly is a much more complicated aircraft for Starlink instalations.
It is also noteworthy that AA already has high speed WiFi and will be able to turn it on for free on hundreds of domestic aircraft next year while more than 90% of DL's mainline fleet has high speed WiFi operational including across the Atlantic.
and B6 has an extensive fleet of aircraft with free WiFi.
UA is playing catchup and the 787 certification issues will ensure that other airlines including foreign airlines like Air France will probably have more WiFi across the Atlantic than UA will in a couple years.
Once this roll-out is complete, Delta will have the worst internet among the major US carriers. It's amazing how fast the leaderboard changes!
Technology changes and DL will upgrade as will its providers.
The difference in speed is not noticeable any more than people choose their cell phone provider based on laboratory controlled speed claims.
DL has operating free WiFi on the majority of its global network now. UA doesn't have a single widebody with it.
The difference in speed in noticeable, especially if you are using a VPN. Delta will not be upgrading their internet service until January 2029. Check the contract before posting!!!
Tim Dunn says, "The difference in speed is not noticeable any more than people choose their cell phone provider based on laboratory controlled speed claims."
That is completely incorrect.
DL announced free WiFi in 2023. What percentage of the fleet has it?
Feel free to post data from DL aircraft that show dissatisfaction w/ speed or inability to do what people are trying to do with it that is allowed.
and about 90% of DL's mainline fleet has free high speed WiFi. the 717s don't have it - has been prototyped but installations do not appear to be happening right now. Only a portion of the 350 fleet does not have it and it is not turned...
Feel free to post data from DL aircraft that show dissatisfaction w/ speed or inability to do what people are trying to do with it that is allowed.
and about 90% of DL's mainline fleet has free high speed WiFi. the 717s don't have it - has been prototyped but installations do not appear to be happening right now. Only a portion of the 350 fleet does not have it and it is not turned on over the Pacific even on aircraft that have it.
about 900 DL mainline aircraft have it domestically and large portions of central and northern S. America, across most of the Atlantic and to deep S. America
NO other airline in the world comes close to what DL has now.
Trying to argue about speed comparisons for a fleet of aircraft that won't have high speed WiFi for years compared to one that largely has it now is the height of arrogance and ignorance.
Tim Dunn says, "Feel free to post data from DL aircraft that show dissatisfaction w/ speed"
I love it. Blackberry phone owners satisfaction couldn't have been higher until the iPhone came out.
Tim Dunn says, "Trying to argue about speed comparisons for a fleet of aircraft that won't have high speed WiFi for years"
UA has had high-speed WiFi on its entire fleet for years and I use it for free around the world with...
Tim Dunn says, "Feel free to post data from DL aircraft that show dissatisfaction w/ speed"
I love it. Blackberry phone owners satisfaction couldn't have been higher until the iPhone came out.
Tim Dunn says, "Trying to argue about speed comparisons for a fleet of aircraft that won't have high speed WiFi for years"
UA has had high-speed WiFi on its entire fleet for years and I use it for free around the world with T-Mobile. According to several tech sites DL has 90% free WiFi on domestic aircraft, none of the regional fleet and only a small portion of the int'l fleet after almost three years.
Yikes! Sounds a lot like the DL D1 suite and NEO 1st Class installation debacles. It's a shame DL is spending so much $, time and effort installing an already obsolete technology on 1,300 aircraft, and they're locked in contractually until 2029?
Advantage UA!
UA has precisely ZERO mainline aircraft with free high speed WiFi.
ZERO.
There is no basis of comparing either what UA has now or what the comparison will be by the time UA gets WiFi installed on its entire fleet.
This is 2025. Even by your accounting, DL took 2 years to put WiFi on 90% of its entire domestic fleet.
I will bet you that UA will not Starlink WiFi on 100%...
UA has precisely ZERO mainline aircraft with free high speed WiFi.
ZERO.
There is no basis of comparing either what UA has now or what the comparison will be by the time UA gets WiFi installed on its entire fleet.
This is 2025. Even by your accounting, DL took 2 years to put WiFi on 90% of its entire domestic fleet.
I will bet you that UA will not Starlink WiFi on 100% of its mainline and regional fleet in 2 years.
And if DL's contract is "as is" until 2029, DL will have had free WiFi longer from its installation to DL's completion until DL can rework its contracts (and there are multiple contracts because DL has and will have multiple WiFi systems and providers).
The reason why this place is such a sh**show is because you are incapable of admitting that UA is actually in fourth place among US carriers with free high speed WiFi offerings.
B6 started it but DL far overtook them, AA is ready to flip a few switches and offer it on 90% of its fleet in months, and then UA will be dragged across the finish line in a few years - long after not just multiple US airlines but many foreign airlines will be far ahead of UA in WiFi.
Why is it so hard for you and a few others to just admit that UA is not #1 in anything, let alone alot of things?
UA has precisely ZERO mainline aircraft with free high speed WiFi.
ZERO.
There is no basis of comparing either what UA has now or what the comparison will be by the time UA gets WiFi installed on its entire fleet.
This is 2025. Even by your accounting, DL took 2 years to put WiFi on 90% of its entire domestic fleet.
I will bet you that UA will not Starlink WiFi on 100%...
UA has precisely ZERO mainline aircraft with free high speed WiFi.
ZERO.
There is no basis of comparing either what UA has now or what the comparison will be by the time UA gets WiFi installed on its entire fleet.
This is 2025. Even by your accounting, DL took 2 years to put WiFi on 90% of its entire domestic fleet.
I will bet you that UA will not Starlink WiFi on 100% of its mainline and regional fleet in 2 years.
And if DL's contract is "as is" until 2029, DL will have had free WiFi longer from its installation to DL's completion until DL can rework its contracts (and there are multiple contracts because DL has and will have multiple WiFi systems and providers).
The reason why this place is such a sh**show is because you are incapable of admitting that UA is actually in fourth place among US carriers with free high speed WiFi offerings.
B6 started it but DL far overtook them, AA is ready to flip a few switches and offer it on 90% of its fleet in months, and then UA will be dragged across the finish line in a few years - long after not just multiple US airlines but many foreign airlines will be far ahead of UA in WiFi.
Why is it so hard for you and a few others to just admit that UA is not #1 in anything, let alone alot of things?
How did supposedly the US' most technologically advanced airline manage to allow itself to be put in 4th place, even for a year?
UA has had high speed WiFi on the entire fleet for years. It is free if you're phone carrier is T-Mobile and some subscriptions are complimentary for some Mileage Plus road warriors from what I understand. I just used it for free to/from FCO over The Atlantic on a 787-10 and it was flawless. Can't wait for Starlink. Great to hear it is performing so well on the E175s.
Locked into an obsolete technology until...
UA has had high speed WiFi on the entire fleet for years. It is free if you're phone carrier is T-Mobile and some subscriptions are complimentary for some Mileage Plus road warriors from what I understand. I just used it for free to/from FCO over The Atlantic on a 787-10 and it was flawless. Can't wait for Starlink. Great to hear it is performing so well on the E175s.
Locked into an obsolete technology until January 2029? Yikes. Hope DL finishes installing it by then. ;)
and you realize that not even United calls their current mainline WiFi high speed but they do call Starlink WiFi.
UA not only has no mainline aircraft with free WiFi for everyone with a loyalty card number but they have NO MAINLINE AIRCRAFT with hi speed WiFi at ALL.
that's what United says.
but you once again prove how desperately you can't admit reality so lie and distort what even UA says.
It's OK Tim. It was definitely high-speed on the UA 78X to/from FCO and free for me. Flawless in fact. Just a matter of time.
Houston we have a problem. Looks like ViaSat has huge holes in its coverage especially in the Pacific and lots of DL int'l and none of the 717s or regional jets have the free high speed WiFi. Yikes!
Delta aircraft with paid Wi-Fi
The vast remainder of Delta's fleet — mostly long-haul and regional jets — have paid Wi-Fi options provided by ViaSat or Wi-Fi Onboard. Here are the Delta aircraft types with...
Houston we have a problem. Looks like ViaSat has huge holes in its coverage especially in the Pacific and lots of DL int'l and none of the 717s or regional jets have the free high speed WiFi. Yikes!
Delta aircraft with paid Wi-Fi
The vast remainder of Delta's fleet — mostly long-haul and regional jets — have paid Wi-Fi options provided by ViaSat or Wi-Fi Onboard. Here are the Delta aircraft types with paid Wi-Fi:
Airbus A330-200
Airbus A330-300
Airbus A330-900
Airbus A350
Boeing 757-300
Boeing 767-300
Boeing 767-400
Mitsubishi CRJ700
Mitsubishi CRJ900
Embraer ERJ170/175
Delta Wi-Fi coverage map and limitations
Moreover, Delta's Wi-Fi coverage worldwide is limited. Per Delta's coverage map, flights transiting certain regions won't feature coverage at all, even if the flight is operated by a Wi-Fi-equipped plane. By region, coverage looks like this:
United States (contiguous 48 States): Full Wi-Fi coverage
Hawaii & Alaska: No Wi-Fi coverage over the Pacific Ocean
Canada & Mexico: Full Wi-Fi coverage
Europe: Full Wi-Fi coverage
South America: Limited Wi-Fi coverage
Asia: No Wi-Fi coverage
Africa: No Wi-Fi coverage
It is clear that you can't admit that DL is far ahead of any other airline in offering free high speed WiFi across its network.
Per DL's own site, just as UA's site says that UA does not offer high speed WiFi on any mainline aircraft currently, DL's site says that free high speed WiFi coverage is available across the Atlantic, to the Middle East, to west Africa, and to most of the Americas
DL...
It is clear that you can't admit that DL is far ahead of any other airline in offering free high speed WiFi across its network.
Per DL's own site, just as UA's site says that UA does not offer high speed WiFi on any mainline aircraft currently, DL's site says that free high speed WiFi coverage is available across the Atlantic, to the Middle East, to west Africa, and to most of the Americas
DL does not offer free high speed WiFi to E. Asia, S. Africa or Argentina.
Since you cannot accept what DL has, you pick at the 10% of DL's network and fleet that does.
Let me remind you ONE MORE TIME, UA has precisely ZERO aircraft with free high speed WiFi ANYWHERE in the world.
DL is and will be heads and tails above UA for years to come in WiFi - and a whole lot of other areas.
Tim Dunn says, "DL does not offer free high speed WiFi to E. Asia, S. Africa or Argentina."
Does it offer any WiFi to E. Asia?
yes, DL most certainly does offer high speed paid WiFi on some flights over the Pacific.
I have been on A350s during the past year that had paid WiFi.
Not all A350s have it which is why DL has not turned it on but DL most certainly does offer paid high speed WiFi on some flights over the Pacific.
It is beyond pathetic that you and others argue points when you don't even have the...
yes, DL most certainly does offer high speed paid WiFi on some flights over the Pacific.
I have been on A350s during the past year that had paid WiFi.
Not all A350s have it which is why DL has not turned it on but DL most certainly does offer paid high speed WiFi on some flights over the Pacific.
It is beyond pathetic that you and others argue points when you don't even have the basic facts.
DL offers FREE high speed WiFi to SkyMiles members across MOST mainline aircraft on MOST of the routes DL flies.
If DL is so insignificant across the Pacific as so many of the UA fan nuts claim, then it has no impact if they have it or not.
If some of you would actually think through what you say before saying it, you would appear alot less stupid.
@Tim Dunn - It's actually worse than that - DL does not have wifi coverage for east of Europe and Middle East, Oceania, most of Africa, and Argentina, which I believe Delta does serve some of these locations. Not to mention the lack of wifi on 717, which is 8% of their fleet.
Sure, you get coverage for free, but United actually has coverage worldwide (outside of South Pacific) AS OF NOW with all of...
@Tim Dunn - It's actually worse than that - DL does not have wifi coverage for east of Europe and Middle East, Oceania, most of Africa, and Argentina, which I believe Delta does serve some of these locations. Not to mention the lack of wifi on 717, which is 8% of their fleet.
Sure, you get coverage for free, but United actually has coverage worldwide (outside of South Pacific) AS OF NOW with all of their aircrafts that serve international routes, and 100% of their mainline aircrafts have wifi.
I guess the price you pay is what you get - spotty coverage for FREE wifi.
@tim dunn what is absurd to me is how Delta has such slow and expensive internet on their premium configured 752’s that they fly on 6 hour flights from BOS-LAX. Completely unusable to get any work done. I’m a Delta loyalist and Gold Medallion but Delta isn’t perfect and seem to drop the ball on actual premium routes. Saying a lot too when I’d rather take the JetBlue flight to Boston bc of the absurdly...
@tim dunn what is absurd to me is how Delta has such slow and expensive internet on their premium configured 752’s that they fly on 6 hour flights from BOS-LAX. Completely unusable to get any work done. I’m a Delta loyalist and Gold Medallion but Delta isn’t perfect and seem to drop the ball on actual premium routes. Saying a lot too when I’d rather take the JetBlue flight to Boston bc of the absurdly slow DL wifi. No wonder American generally outprices DL on LAX-BOS
@tim dunn what is absurd to me is how Delta has such slow and expensive internet on their premium configured 752’s that they fly on 6 hour flights from BOS-LAX. Completely unusable to get any work done. I’m a Delta loyalist and Gold Medallion but Delta isn’t perfect and seem to drop the ball on actual premium routes. Saying a lot too when I’d rather take the JetBlue flight to Boston bc of the absurdly...
@tim dunn what is absurd to me is how Delta has such slow and expensive internet on their premium configured 752’s that they fly on 6 hour flights from BOS-LAX. Completely unusable to get any work done. I’m a Delta loyalist and Gold Medallion but Delta isn’t perfect and seem to drop the ball on actual premium routes. Saying a lot too when I’d rather take the JetBlue flight to Boston bc of the absurdly slow DL wifi. No wonder American generally outprices DL on LAX-BOS
splane
I can't speak to the WiFi speed on every aircraft of any airline but I can say that it is foolish to think that faster WiFi on a few aircraft is going to offset free high speed WiFi on an entire fleet.
Once again, DL has about 900 aircraft that have free high speed WiFi on them. AA could have turn "free" on a long time ago and is going to do...
splane
I can't speak to the WiFi speed on every aircraft of any airline but I can say that it is foolish to think that faster WiFi on a few aircraft is going to offset free high speed WiFi on an entire fleet.
Once again, DL has about 900 aircraft that have free high speed WiFi on them. AA could have turn "free" on a long time ago and is going to do it domestically even if it comes at the cost of speed for those who currently pay.
rebel,
UA ITSELF says that its current WiFi is "standard" while Starlink is high speed. You are free to believe you had high speed WiFi on a 787 but UA says "no you didn't"
and you might not have paid but UA still offers free high speed WiFi to anyone w/ a loyalty number on Starlink aircraft - and not before.
Tim, you have clearly never used Starlink on a plane if you think there’s no difference in speed.
If your main argument is that UA has Starlink on zero mainline planes, you’re going to need to quickly come up with a new argument.
First plane will have it in a few weeks, and, with an 8 hour installation process, much faster than with other systems, can you imagine how quickly UA will have...
Tim, you have clearly never used Starlink on a plane if you think there’s no difference in speed.
If your main argument is that UA has Starlink on zero mainline planes, you’re going to need to quickly come up with a new argument.
First plane will have it in a few weeks, and, with an 8 hour installation process, much faster than with other systems, can you imagine how quickly UA will have hundreds of aircraft with Starlink?
And the system on UA planes will work around the world. Especially important for UA, given they’re the largest airline in the world, with a TPAC schedule that’s significantly larger than DL and UA combined.
Major UA advantage for premium customers who want to stay connected on those long flights to Asia.
I get how fast the installation is, Mark.
You, as usual, think that, because UA finally gets onboard with free WiFi the world will all of a sudden move in UA's direction.
DL has had free WiFi domestically for 3 years and it is available on most flights outside of E. Asia right now. DL also is putting a new WiFi system on its newest A350s to accelerate the rollout across the Pacific.
Let...
I get how fast the installation is, Mark.
You, as usual, think that, because UA finally gets onboard with free WiFi the world will all of a sudden move in UA's direction.
DL has had free WiFi domestically for 3 years and it is available on most flights outside of E. Asia right now. DL also is putting a new WiFi system on its newest A350s to accelerate the rollout across the Pacific.
Let me remind you once again that Starlink isn't even certified for installation on the 787. There will simply be no fast turn on for UA.
Let it roll around in your brain just a little while longer.
UA is #4 of 4 US airlines with free high speed WiFi.
It is very likely that AA and DL will have it turned on on their entire fleets before UA does
“Outside of east Asia”. That’s a huge and critical carve out. Those are 12-14 hour flights.
Once the STC comes for the 787, it will be an 8 hour installation per plane. The mainline STCs are underway now. That’s a fast turn on.
And no, I don’t think the rest of the US airline industry will follow UA. It sounds like UA will remain a clear number one with Starlink, since the others...
“Outside of east Asia”. That’s a huge and critical carve out. Those are 12-14 hour flights.
Once the STC comes for the 787, it will be an 8 hour installation per plane. The mainline STCs are underway now. That’s a fast turn on.
And no, I don’t think the rest of the US airline industry will follow UA. It sounds like UA will remain a clear number one with Starlink, since the others won’t adopt the system.
As Ben said, UA, by waiting a few years, will end up with the advantage.
and yet, Mark, UA is #4 out of 4 US carriers WRT free high speed WiFi right now and they have managed to improve as much as they have without WiFi - so maybe gaining it won't the huge advantage you think it will be.
And I still will bet that DL will have 100% of its mainline fleet with free high speed WiFi before UA will and DL and AA will both have a huge advantage on their domestic networks long before UA gets 100% coverage.
“Right now”. Exactly. I can never remember when it’s ok to talk about the past, current, and future with you.
You talk about other commenters “living in the past” yet talk (incorrectly) about UA performance in Asia 10 years ago.
You also don’t want to talk about the future, as in UA’s near future of having the fastest WiFi of all US carriers, unless it’s about DL’s future orders of A350-1000s or 787-10s....
“Right now”. Exactly. I can never remember when it’s ok to talk about the past, current, and future with you.
You talk about other commenters “living in the past” yet talk (incorrectly) about UA performance in Asia 10 years ago.
You also don’t want to talk about the future, as in UA’s near future of having the fastest WiFi of all US carriers, unless it’s about DL’s future orders of A350-1000s or 787-10s.
And we’re still waiting for those exact financial figures from all regions of the world, including domestic, that you always tout but never provide.
Well said Mark.
It has become obvious that TD uses all kinds of absurd qualifications and projection to torture logic and obfuscate.
I am no techie, but DL's own WiFi reception maps show massive holes around the globe in which DL passengers receive NO WiFi much less free high-speed WiFi just like on their 717s. UA has used Panasonic for years on its international fleet which covers the globe and ViaSat on domestic mainline...
Well said Mark.
It has become obvious that TD uses all kinds of absurd qualifications and projection to torture logic and obfuscate.
I am no techie, but DL's own WiFi reception maps show massive holes around the globe in which DL passengers receive NO WiFi much less free high-speed WiFi just like on their 717s. UA has used Panasonic for years on its international fleet which covers the globe and ViaSat on domestic mainline and regional fleets. Very smart. Now with StarLink UA and other airlines using it will leapfrog DL and other airlines that don't in coverage and speed and it will be free for Mileage Plus members.
What is also becoming apparent is TD is much like DL marketing.
It's just a matter of time.
You two are both incapable of admitting that UA is #4 out of 4 US airlines with free high speed WiFI.
Even their own website says they do not offer high speed WiFI on any mainline aircraft right now. They have precisely ZERO aircraft flying the Pacific w/ high speed WiFi.
If what they have is sufficient, they wouldn't be investing in an upgraded product.
and if DL is so small across...
You two are both incapable of admitting that UA is #4 out of 4 US airlines with free high speed WiFI.
Even their own website says they do not offer high speed WiFI on any mainline aircraft right now. They have precisely ZERO aircraft flying the Pacific w/ high speed WiFi.
If what they have is sufficient, they wouldn't be investing in an upgraded product.
and if DL is so small across the Pacific - as you claim they are - then not having WiFi won't matter.
Of course, UA is investing in Starlink which is a very solid product - but you can't admit that B6 and DL had a years-long headstart.
AA simply needs to turn it on and they will.
Nothing wrong w/ hoping for the future but be willing to admit the current reality.
DL does have about 900 aircraft with free high speed WiFi operating right now and has had it for years in the US, now has it across the Atlantic and to S. America.
DL will have fleetwide, global high speed WiFi before UA will.
and any speed advantage that UA has will be eliminated faster than it will take from UA's announcement of Starlink to complete installation
Get United's Tulip out of your backside and accept the cold, hard facts
TD says, "if DL is so small across the Pacific - as you claim they are - then not having WiFi won't matter."
It does explain why DL didn't think it was a big deal to have almost no WiFi (hi-speed or otherwise) over the Pacific Ocean and why UA thought that was a non-starter given UA is bigger TPAC than DL & AA combined.
UA is playing their cards extremely well. Starlink will be a game changer.
It's just a matter of time.
just say it.
DL has the advantage now with 90% of its mainline fleet and flights CURRENTLY offering what UA dreams about.
UA is #4 OUT OF 4 US carriers in free high speed WiFi.
"UA is playing their cards extremely well. Starlink will be a game changer."
do you seriously think that UA is the only airline that wants Starlink certified on the 787? - and yet it hasn't happened yet
DL will have fleet wide, global free high speed WiFi before UA will.
TD says, "Technology changes and DL will upgrade as will its providers."
When? After years of installing all the upgraded equipment and launching satellites (some of which work) over years and committing contractually through 2029?
Less than 50% D1 Suites after eight years, NEOs sitting w/o engines getting temporary FC seats, installing antiquated WiFi tech with huge holes in coverage and being way behind on future aircraft orders with five year lead times. Yikes.
UA:...
TD says, "Technology changes and DL will upgrade as will its providers."
When? After years of installing all the upgraded equipment and launching satellites (some of which work) over years and committing contractually through 2029?
Less than 50% D1 Suites after eight years, NEOs sitting w/o engines getting temporary FC seats, installing antiquated WiFi tech with huge holes in coverage and being way behind on future aircraft orders with five year lead times. Yikes.
UA: 1,050 aircraft, (228 WB), 187 WB/488 NB on order
DA: 992 aircraft, (177 WB), 28 WB/240 NB on order
AA: 1,000 aircraft, (134 WB), 22 WB/280 NB on order
It's just a matter of time.
UA is #4 OUT OF 4 US carriers in free high speed WiFi.
DL will have fleet wide, global free high speed WiFi before UA will.
Unfortunately, the Int'l Federation of Airline WiFi Rankings (IFAWR) has deemed a minimum of 95% coverage of an airline's operating area (AOA) a prerequisite for their WiFi being ranked. So DL is unranked and UA moves up to #2. Sorry TD.
lovely.
and United covers precisely NONE of the globe with free high speed WiFi.
If DL covers 94%, that is 94% more than United.
Get back w/ us when UA is at 95% and let's see how things compare then.
facts are so hard for you to accept.
TD says. "and United covers precisely NONE of the globe with free high speed WiFi."
I know, but the IFAWR is strict about the AOA coverage standard. I am sure there are other rating federations. Which one are you citing for UA's #4 ranking? They must not have a minimum AOA coverage standard, right?