While there are lots of areas where United Airlines has been improving, Wi-Fi is an area where the carrier greatly lags both American and Delta. Fortunately that’s going to change, as United has announced plans to introduce free Starlink Wi-Fi throughout its fleet. While we’ll have to be patient, this will be a game changer once introduced.
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United Airlines will have Starlink Wi-Fi on 1,000+ jets
United Airlines has signed an agreement 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. 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 will be offered gate to gate. United highlights how Starlink Wi-Fi will allow 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 New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, 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.
United is by far the most tech-savvy US airline, and 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 hasn’t announced a larger Wi-Fi retrofit plan with one of the more established inflight Wi-Fi providers up until this point.
Here’s how United CEO Scott Kirby describes this development:
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world. This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized. United’s culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers.”
This announcement had been rumored for some time, and was first reported by @xJonNYC.
United Airlines Starlink Wi-Fi rollout plan
What’s United’s plan for rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi? So far the airline is somewhat light on details. United expects to offer Starlink Wi-Fi on 1,000+ planes, including mainline aircraft and regional jets. Testing is expected to begin in early 2025, with the first passenger flights expected to have Starlink later in 2025. Then United plans to roll out Starlink “over the next several years.”
We’ll have to be very patient, but once this is complete, it’ll be a game changer.
For some context on United’s current Wi-Fi situation, the airline currently uses 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 has announced plans to introduce free Starlink Wi-Fi. United has been lagging American and Delta when it comes to inflight connectivity, so this will be a massively positive change. The plan is for the first aircraft to get Starlink Wi-Fi in 2025, and then over several years, we’ll see this installed on over 1,000 aircraft. Kudos to United for finally addressing its Wi-Fi challenges in the best way possible.
What do you make of United introducing Starlink Wi-Fi?
I’ve been wondering why airlines would offer Starlink for free. I don’t imagine Elon is giving away the service for free. I was really surprised that Hawaiian made this move considering its financials aren’t great.
I’d personally prefer if they made baggage free and put a price on WiFi.
FAs will need to enforce the headphone rule.
WiFi is convenient and I use it to work on nearly every flight, but I am also sort of miss the days before it, being forced to disconnect on a flight
Any company that partners with Elon is one to add to the boycott list. Shame on United.
Okay snowflake. Your little feelings hurt??
I’m with you, plus he’s unreliable, someone at United says something that annoys him, he unilaterally turns off the service, like that orange narcissist he admires so much.
you can hate Elon but TSLA is basically the ETF of Tesla, X, spaceX, neurolink, xAI, etc. this man has done improvements to humanity like no other in the last twenty years.
Musk improved Twitter?
What did he improve humanity?
He's just a lucky gambler that have better success at commercializing other people's technology.
He's what if electric car Tim Dunn is a billionaire would do.
Let me tell you something, folks. Delta Airlines, it's incredible, truly the most premium airline in the world. No one does it better than Delta, believe me. The service? Unmatched. The planes? Absolutely beautiful. And the seats? So comfortable, you'd think you're in a five-star hotel in the sky. Everyone’s talking about it. When you fly Delta, you're flying with the best. Nobody comes close—trust me! Now, look, United Airlines, they try, but let's be...
Let me tell you something, folks. Delta Airlines, it's incredible, truly the most premium airline in the world. No one does it better than Delta, believe me. The service? Unmatched. The planes? Absolutely beautiful. And the seats? So comfortable, you'd think you're in a five-star hotel in the sky. Everyone’s talking about it. When you fly Delta, you're flying with the best. Nobody comes close—trust me! Now, look, United Airlines, they try, but let's be honest, folks, they're just not in the same league as Delta. Delta is first-class all the way—luxury, comfort, the best service. United? Well, they’ve had their issues, haven’t they? We’ve all seen it. Delta’s got these amazing lounges, the best in the business. United? Not so much. Delta’s planes are like flying on a cloud; United’s, well, they could learn a thing or two. If you want the best, you fly Delta. It’s as simple as that.
all you had to say is that DL committed to global free high speed WiFi years ago, is building the largest fleet of aircraft with free high speed WiFi and has over 600 aircraft with it now.
UA decided well after DL that it wanted to follow and good for them. Competition is good.
But no one should mistake that DL has a huge headstart and will get to where UA is talking about long...
all you had to say is that DL committed to global free high speed WiFi years ago, is building the largest fleet of aircraft with free high speed WiFi and has over 600 aircraft with it now.
UA decided well after DL that it wanted to follow and good for them. Competition is good.
But no one should mistake that DL has a huge headstart and will get to where UA is talking about long before UA.
And DL has committed to putting high speed WiFi on its regional jets while UA has not.
All Elon-haters: make sure NOT to use Starlink, or any of his other products or services. Don’t be a hypocrite, stay true to your feelings.
Why not? Not liking a character doesn't prevent one from liking their products. I wasn't particularly fond of Steve Jobs but used (and still use to that day) Apple products.
maybe this will give AA the push it needs to *finally* offer free wifi like they said they would 7 years ago...
Is $50 per month for quick AA wifi a real hardship?
Starlink for the Star alliance carrier.
I'm glad B6, AA, and DL finally forced their hand into offering free wifi.
AA does NOT have free wi-fi and furthermore, their single use passes are not competitively priced at all
As I noted, this well be a very long process.
Testing will begin in early 2025 with first passenger use late in 2025 and conversions of new aircraft will take place in the next few years.
Note also this is for 1000 aircraft - which will be the size of United's mainline fleet - but they do not apparently intend to equip their fleet of RJs with high speed internet, something DL says it...
As I noted, this well be a very long process.
Testing will begin in early 2025 with first passenger use late in 2025 and conversions of new aircraft will take place in the next few years.
Note also this is for 1000 aircraft - which will be the size of United's mainline fleet - but they do not apparently intend to equip their fleet of RJs with high speed internet, something DL says it will do even though DL has hundreds fewer RJs.
since Boeing's employees are on strike, United's fleet growth plan not just for the rest of 2024 but likely also for 2025 just went out the window again. Converting old aircraft will be what is necessary to get Starlink broadly across UA's fleet.
and, Ben, please provide the numbers to back up this claim
"United ...invests more in technology than peers."
if you'd like to make that statement, you should be able to back it up with numbers.
Hey Delta Diva! While it's true that UA might be lagging right now, don't count them out—they’re bound to catch up. Your point is pretty much moot in that light. And honestly, what more evidence do you need about the lack of technological investment? Just look at the epic meltdown DL faced this summer.
no, my point is quite accurate in contrast to the people that were certain that UA would roll Starlink out quickly.
DL will complete its mainline aircraft rollout with high speed free WiFi before UA even operates the first passenger flight in late 2025.
DL has committed to putting high speed WiFi on its regional jets - UA has not.
You do realize that UA cancelled hundreds of flights during the CRWD meltdown and...
no, my point is quite accurate in contrast to the people that were certain that UA would roll Starlink out quickly.
DL will complete its mainline aircraft rollout with high speed free WiFi before UA even operates the first passenger flight in late 2025.
DL has committed to putting high speed WiFi on its regional jets - UA has not.
You do realize that UA cancelled hundreds of flights during the CRWD meltdown and that DL still has the best on-time and lowest cancellation rate in the industry year to date even including with the CRWD impact?
Is UA's operation really that much worse than DL's on a day to day basis that DL can have 3 more days of CRWD impact and still outperform UA on reliability? same thing for AA which had no MAX 9 or CRWD impact.
When he baited Tim (a.k.a Delta Diva), his demeanor shifted to a more direct, challenging look, with his eyebrows slightly raised and his eyes fixed, indicating a deliberate attempt to confront and provoke a reaction. Bye Gurl.
“and, Ben, please provide the numbers to back up this claim
"United ...invests more in technology than peers."
if you'd like to make that statement, you should be able to back it up with numbers.”
You so desperately want site authors to respond to you… do you have friends?
Seems like you could try to prove he’s wrong since you’re the one in the comment section seeking self validation and life relevance.
Ben...
“and, Ben, please provide the numbers to back up this claim
"United ...invests more in technology than peers."
if you'd like to make that statement, you should be able to back it up with numbers.”
You so desperately want site authors to respond to you… do you have friends?
Seems like you could try to prove he’s wrong since you’re the one in the comment section seeking self validation and life relevance.
Ben made a claim that is widely believed and supported by many different industry experts.
Going to CES or SxSW and talking about robot ramp agents doesn’t mean you spend more money on tech. It just means Ed Bastian enjoys the sound of his own voice, a fact well known inside delta
It’s not a hard fact to prove if it is true.
You are desperately afraid that it isn’t so you want to shut down the response
I am sure Ben doesn’t have the numbers so won’t respond
Considering his responses about you lately have been "Should I just go ahead and ban Tim Dunn for good?" to other readers, I doubt he's too worried about your lame attempts to bait him when you can't even be bothered to try and prove your own comment. You're the one sitting all alone with all the time in the world. Ben runs a successful business with a kid (hint hint. his kid isn't sitting in...
Considering his responses about you lately have been "Should I just go ahead and ban Tim Dunn for good?" to other readers, I doubt he's too worried about your lame attempts to bait him when you can't even be bothered to try and prove your own comment. You're the one sitting all alone with all the time in the world. Ben runs a successful business with a kid (hint hint. his kid isn't sitting in the basement typing in comment sections)
It's really just sad that you think anyone is trying to shut down a response when you can't even be bothered to research his comment on your own.
just stop. and deal with the real issue.
If there is an answer about what each of the big 4 airlines spend on IT, you or Ben should be able to able to provide it. I do not know but I doubt that UA consistently spends more on IT than any other airline.
If I were to guess, it is probably WN that is spending the most on IT but they are doing so because...
just stop. and deal with the real issue.
If there is an answer about what each of the big 4 airlines spend on IT, you or Ben should be able to able to provide it. I do not know but I doubt that UA consistently spends more on IT than any other airline.
If I were to guess, it is probably WN that is spending the most on IT but they are doing so because they didn't spend enough on IT for years.
If he can't back up his statement, it is an opinion.
If you want to run to his defense, then answer the question that he is being asked to answer instead of trashing someone that can critically think and push through noise and opinions
Feel free to research, tough guy
You clearly have no idea but have now spent hours commenting on this instead of researching
For IT all you have to do is look at the APPs and United clearly wins. Its the industry gold standard.
PS It all about UAL and I am 62 Years Old and Have Never Flown Delta and never Will.
@Tim Dunn - United did say they are equipping regional jets as well. Just because they said 1000 does not mean 1000 mainline jets. And it's more than 1000 jets FYI per the release.
Steven,
that is good to hear.
They are committed to matching what DL offers even if several hours later.
Jane,
I don't have the numbers and I am sure Ben doesn't either.
WN is undoubtedly spending more on IT than any other US airline.
I would guess DL is second in part because they have their own res system compared to every other airline so DL's IT costs are very...
Steven,
that is good to hear.
They are committed to matching what DL offers even if several hours later.
Jane,
I don't have the numbers and I am sure Ben doesn't either.
WN is undoubtedly spending more on IT than any other US airline.
I would guess DL is second in part because they have their own res system compared to every other airline so DL's IT costs are very likely going to be higher.
People can argue whether they think UA is IT is the best and that is their opinion but how much a company spends is not an opinion but factual. If you don't have the numbers, then don't make statements about how much companies spend.
no need to keep arguing. You either have the numbers or you don't.
"You either have the numbers or you don't."
Ain't that the truth and you don't have them. You just crave recognition by website owners to give you self validation.
You're just too lazy to try to research just like EVERYTHING else you spout.
And 1960s "Deltamatic" would be a reason Delta doesn't spend as much money as other airlines
Once again, it is doubtful that UA spends the most on IT.
the only person that is grand-standing is you because you can't either provide the answer or walk away.
thank you for giving Ben a bunch of page clicks arguing about something that you cannot resolve - the ranking of airline IT spending - and neither can he
That is no way to talk to a lady.
You asked a question to Ben (hoping he'd give you some validation) and can't do your own research, but I'm grandstanding by reminding you that you are saying it's delta with absolutely zero backing?
Sorry, Timbo. Every person on this website would respect Ben's opinion more than yours.
Also, way to sneak in what you think is some insult about giving Ben page clicks.
I think Ben is great and really enjoy giving him page Clicks. Thank YOU for your OCD, need to have the last word, and craving for Ben's attention. It generates page clicks.
Ladies know how to read. If you did, you would see that I am pretty certain Southwest spends the most on IT
Fair suck of the sav, Tim :-(
You're attacking people - and yet you DON'T have definitive answers either, but you're content to demand that Ben provide a cast iron response to your declaration.
There's a number of your (above) responses which start with "I would guess" or "It’s not a hard fact to prove if it is true." So, instead of challenging Ben, why don't you provide an alternate view - backed up by...
Fair suck of the sav, Tim :-(
You're attacking people - and yet you DON'T have definitive answers either, but you're content to demand that Ben provide a cast iron response to your declaration.
There's a number of your (above) responses which start with "I would guess" or "It’s not a hard fact to prove if it is true." So, instead of challenging Ben, why don't you provide an alternate view - backed up by facts - you know, like any other researcher or poster would?
Surely, as someone who presumably pours over every DL publicly issued report, there must be some discussion of DL's IT strategy and spending / budget ?
Oh, and here's one I might challenge.
"I would *guess* DL is second in part because they have their own res system compared to every other airline so DL's IT costs are very likely going to be higher."
These days, 'customization' of RES systems is the way to go. Every airline has specific requirements and ergo, customizes their res service to varying degrees.
SW is really about the only game in town that has its own, unique system. The rest are primarily res systems based on one of the major web systems such as Amadeus, Worldspan, Galileo etc. he reason that SW get away with this is that its business model has a lack of external connectivity to other carriers / routes / alliances. That is certainly not DL's model.
You seem to forget that AA owned Sabre for a very long time, made it almost the industry standard between the late 1960's, maintained it through to the current century - and then spun it off for a significant financial gain.
Whilst you claim that DL has it's own res system (doesn't every airline .. or do some still use pen & paper LOL ??). DL's res system is customised and hardly unique. After all, DL is a member of SkyTeam and has to provide uniformity for each and every other SkyTeam member to access each other's inventory / services. It, in itself, is nothing special or unique.
Answers please - instead of demands ..
all of that and you clearly have no clue about the issue at hand.
IT spending is not detailed on any airline's statements and it isn't broken out even in SEC statements.
I ASKED Ben to back up his statement that United spends more on IT than any other airline and then said that I don't have the numbers but GUESS that WN right now spends more on IT than any other airline.
Once again,...
all of that and you clearly have no clue about the issue at hand.
IT spending is not detailed on any airline's statements and it isn't broken out even in SEC statements.
I ASKED Ben to back up his statement that United spends more on IT than any other airline and then said that I don't have the numbers but GUESS that WN right now spends more on IT than any other airline.
Once again, it flatters me how infatuated the readers of this board are with me.... no less than 4 people have piled on and not one has added any facts to the discussion.
You all are your own worst enemies.
No clue ? Thank you Tim.
Here's a few very simple pointers for you to read:
Published by Statista Research Department, Apr 22, 2024
https://www.statista.com/statistics/493939/airline-it-spending-techology/#:~:text=The%202021%20survey%20showed%20that%20airline%20IT%20spending,from%2029%20billion%20U.S.%20dollars%20spent%20in%202020.
Simple Flying / Sita Research (based on FY 2022-3)
://simpleflying.com/airline-it-spend-increased-37-billion-2022/
Forbes - MiddleEast - Airline & Airport IT Spending 2023
https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/industry/aviation/airlines-and-airports-raise-it-spending-in-2023-amid-travel-demand-uptick-report.
These are just a few possibilities. The information is out there *if* you bother to look. Oh, and by the way, here's a report from SouthWest's...
No clue ? Thank you Tim.
Here's a few very simple pointers for you to read:
Published by Statista Research Department, Apr 22, 2024
https://www.statista.com/statistics/493939/airline-it-spending-techology/#:~:text=The%202021%20survey%20showed%20that%20airline%20IT%20spending,from%2029%20billion%20U.S.%20dollars%20spent%20in%202020.
Simple Flying / Sita Research (based on FY 2022-3)
://simpleflying.com/airline-it-spend-increased-37-billion-2022/
Forbes - MiddleEast - Airline & Airport IT Spending 2023
https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/industry/aviation/airlines-and-airports-raise-it-spending-in-2023-amid-travel-demand-uptick-report.
These are just a few possibilities. The information is out there *if* you bother to look. Oh, and by the way, here's a report from SouthWest's CIO on their 2024 IT / Tech spend.
https://www.phocuswire.com/southwest-airlines-cio-tech-investment
Me - Clueless? I think not. This is NOT an estimate or a "Guess".
Tim not knowing something about the industry but still stating fake things dogmatically?
Say it ain't so
Get ready for live-streaming "influencers" and endless obnoxious, loud videocalls (without headphones, of course).
Elon must is the hero this country desperately needs.
Entrepreneur and great inventor- Yes Hero - No
He's a very smart nightmare.