United Airlines is set to launch its long awaited in-flight internet perk through SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi. The airline confirmed that free Wi-Fi will be available on select flights starting next month. This move follows American, Delta, and Southwest, who have already rolled out their own in-flight internet services.

United last month installed Starlink on a regional aircraft and plans to offer it on over 40 planes soon. ‘Our ability to roll out this innovative service with unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of the advanced equipment, technology and team of experts at United,’ said Grant Milstead of United. This service will be free to all United passengers over the next few years.

United has had a tough 12 months. It has had to reassure fliers of the company’s safety following a string of Boeing jet incidents last year . United is not the only US-based airline to implement Starlink on its aircrafts. Hawaiian Airlines was the first US carrier to offer in-flight Wi-Fi in 2024 after announcing its deal with Starlink in 2022.

Evan Nomuro of Hawaiian Airlines revealed the company received an ‘overwhelmingly positive response’ from customers since the installation. The first-ever Starlink-equipped aircraft was from Qatar Airways, which took flight in October 2024. ‘We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry,’ CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said.

‘By providing Starlink reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to the things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.’ Qatar has been a longtime favorite company and was dubbed the World’s Best Airline at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards . Other companies that have Starlink in their carriers include JSX, airBaltic, and Zipair Tokyo.

Airlines like American, Delta, and Southwest have in-flight internet without Starlink’s involvement. American gives its passengers free Wi-Fi on most of its flights and has rolled out fast internet connections over the years. Delta’s SkyMiles members receive complimentary Wi-Fi, which has also experienced advancements.

All Southwest Business Select and A-List Preferred travelers receive complimentary service. Other travelers who fly with the Texas-based airlines may be required to pay a small fee for internet. Despite these Wi-Fi conditions for these airlines, JetBlue offers its free Wi-Fi known as ‘Fly-Fi’ to all passengers .

The airline was one of the first companies to give all travelers free Wi-Fi. The newer carrier Breeze Airways added complimentary Wi-Fi to its Nicer and Nicest Bundles in mid-2024. The in-flight internet trend is still rising, and other companies have already announced their intention to add this feature to their carriers.

Alaska Airlines has expressed interest in adding in-flight Wi-Fi after completing its acquisition of Hawaiian. Starlink, which is controlled by Elon Musk , is featured in seven federal offices, and is set to be installed in multiple British warships . Starlink’s revenue in 2024 was about $8.2 billion, and experts predict it will reach $12.3 billion this year.

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