There's an exciting update for United's free Starlink Wi-Fi
Faster, more reliable — and free — Wi-Fi is nearly here on United Airlines.
The Chicago-based carrier announced Monday that it has received its first Federal Aviation Administration certification for installing Starlink's satellite Wi-Fi on board the Embraer E175 regional jet.
This certification, called a Supplemental Type Certificate, is required for each aircraft type receiving Starlink equipment.
Inside scoop: United’s tech chief reveals the fate of 'Expert Mode,' free Wi-Fi and more
United will need at least 16 STCs to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to nearly every aircraft in its regional and mainline fleets.
United will need to perform the requisite design, installation and testing procedures for any planes that will receive this FAA certification.
An STC is issued after the FAA certifies the first Starlink-equipped planes of a given fleet type. Once the certification is in hand, United can then install Starlink across the rest of the fleet.
With its first STC secured, United has reiterated that it now plans to install Starlink on approximately 40 regional jets each month, with the entire two-cabin regional fleet getting the upgrade by the end of 2025.
United's update comes just a few weeks after the airline completed its first Starlink installation on an Embraer E175, registered N127SY, at a maintenance hangar in Nashville.
As the installation wrapped up, I got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to actually enable this faster Wi-Fi and heard from the airline's tech executives who are in charge of the project.
Landing gear in the kitchen? Touring United’s renovated Chicago headquarters in the Willis Tower
Now that the first Starlink-equipped plane is flying, United says that it will run a beta test of the new technology on select flights between now and the first customer flight, which will officially happen in May — in line with the airline's promise that it would happen this spring.
First announced in September, United said it would roll out fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi across more than 1,000 jets, bringing best-in-class connectivity to nearly its entire fleet. (The only planes not getting Starlink are single-cabin regional jets.)
While the speed and reliability upgrades will most certainly be appreciated — Starlink delivers a living-room-like streaming experience — perhaps the best news is that connectivity will be entirely free. All that will be required is signing in to your MileagePlus account.
The airline will debut a new landing and entertainment page for Starlink-enabled aircraft. This upgraded experience will offer access to streaming services, shopping, gaming and more.
For years, United has offered a subpar inflight connectivity experience. It has partnered with four different Wi-Fi providers, each offering varying speeds and reliability.
This mishmash of providers has left some loyal flyers wondering if the Wi-Fi service will work on their flight or if they can stream their favorite shows or browse data-heavy social media apps.
The good news is that the first provider that United has chosen to replace with Starlink is the most outdated: Wi-Fi Onboard (formerly known as Gogo), which offers excruciatingly slow air-to-ground connectivity across the regional fleet.
Starlink, an arm of Elon Musk's SpaceX, provides satellite internet access in more than 100 countries worldwide. While the company's customers range from individual homeowners to the U.S. military, perhaps the most exciting development for travelers is Starlink's deployment on commercial airplanes.
The satellite internet provider offers download speeds of up to 250Mbps per second — fast enough to support gaming, VPN access, streaming and much more. (Inflight calling still won't be allowed, per FAA rules.)
Once the rollout is complete, United will go from offering a subpar connectivity experience to providing one of the best in the sky.
In addition to United, Starlink is either installed or being installed on some major carriers worldwide. They include JSX, Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, Zipair, Qatar Airways, Air France, Air New Zealand, Scandinavian Airlines and WestJet.
United's Starlink rollout schedule
| Aircraft | Current provider | Starlink timeline |
|---|---|---|
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 777-200 | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 777-300 | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 767-300 | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 767-400 | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 757-200 | Panasonic | Unknown |
Boeing 757-300 | Panasonic, Thales and Viasat | Unknown |
Boeing 737-700 | Thales and Viasat | Unknown |
Boeing 737-800 | Thales and Viasat | Unknown |
Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Viasat | Unknown |
Boeing 737-900 | Thales and Viasat | Unknown |
Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Viasat | Unknown |
Airbus A319 | Panasonic and Viasat | Unknown |
Airbus A320 | Panasonic | Unknown |
Airbus A321neo | Viasat | Unknown |
Bombardier CRJ-200 | None | Not receiving |
Bombardier CRJ-550 | Wi-Fi Onboard (Gogo) | By the end of 2025 |
Bombardier CRJ-700 | Wi-Fi Onboard (Gogo) | By the end of 2025 |
Bombardier CRJ-900 | Wi-Fi Onboard (Gogo) | By the end of 2025 |
Embraer E170 | Wi-Fi Onboard (Gogo) | By the end of 2025 |
Embraer E175 | Wi-Fi Onboard (Gogo) | By the end of 2025 |
Embraer E145 | None | Not receiving |
Related reading:
- United Airlines MileagePlus: Guide to earning and redeeming miles, elite status and more
- Best United Airlines credit cards
- United Premier status: How to earn it — and is it worth it?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- United basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.