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United: Starlink Wi-Fi issues 'behind us,' 60 jets now equipped with the fast, free service

July 17, 2025
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3 min read
United Express E175 Starlink Installation.
United: Starlink Wi-Fi issues 'behind us,' 60 jets now equipped with the fast, free service
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United Airlines has "resolved" the problem that led the carrier to turn off brand-new Starlink Wi-Fi systems on regional jets last month, executives said Thursday.

That’s great news for passengers hoping to use its fastest inflight internet yet, which is free for MileagePlus members.

In early June, TPG was first to report that the Chicago-based carrier had to disable its Starlink service after pilots reported static interference on channels they use to communicate with air traffic control. This problem occurred on some of the first United Express jets to get the Wi-Fi upgrade.

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It was an unexpected hurdle in an ambitious rollout of the high-tech internet service, for which United had accelerated the timeline.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

United executives shared three encouraging updates on Thursday.

The first update was that the problem has “pretty much been resolved,” United's chief operations officer Toby Enqvist said on the company’s second-quarter earnings call.

The second: United doesn’t expect to encounter similar delays on its larger planes.

The problem, Enqvist said, was that the antennas used by Starlink and the flight deck were too close together on the smaller regional jets that were first to get the new service

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“They worked around that ... and we think that the issue’s behind us," Enqvist added. "And, again, for the other fleet types, because the airplanes that we’re going to put them on are much larger, we won’t have the issue.”

Inside scoop: United’s tech chief reveals the fate of 'Expert Mode,' free Wi-Fi and more

Finally, United announced that 60 of its planes are currently flying with the new Starlink service. So, the chances keep getting better that you'll have access to fast and free connectivity if you're on a United Express regional flight.

I tried out the Starlink service on a special media flight in May and found it to be high-quality enough that I could accomplish anything I needed to inflight, from streaming a sports game to watching a YouTube video to working (including all at the same time).

SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Last year, United said it would update its entire fleet with the new service, accelerating a wave of airlines pivoting to higher-caliber (and free) inflight Wi-Fi.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • $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.
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