United: Starlink Wi-Fi issues 'behind us,' 60 jets now equipped with the fast, free service
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.
Best airlines report 2025: Delta tops TPG's rankings for 7th straight year
It was an unexpected hurdle in an ambitious rollout of the high-tech internet service, for which United had accelerated the timeline.
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
"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).
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:
- 6 things you need to know about United Airlines MileagePlus
- The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
- What is United Airlines elite status worth?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- How to survive basic economy on United Airlines
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app