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United Airlines Becomes the first major US carrier to offer free Starlink WiFi on a mainline flight.
Today, a United Boeing 737-800 equipped with an ultra-fast Internet system took off from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. houstonbefore take off Fort Lauderdale And returning to Houston.
The airline is expected to establish starlink More than half of United’s regional fleet already offers Starlink – on 15 mainline 737-800 aircraft each month.
Those logging in will experience WiFi speeds of up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), meaning movies and TV shows can be streamed to multiple devices without buffering, lag, or the need to download beforehand.
United says passengers will also be able to play live games at an altitude of 38,000 feet.
Additionally, the system is less affected by adverse weather due to “laser link” technology that enables satellites in the system to communicate directly with each other and bypass ground stations.
Currently, even regular WiFi is not universally available on flights – and connectivity may disappear altogether when planes cross remote areas and oceans.
This can also be expensive.
For example, American Monthly memberships are charged up to $60 and $10 per flight.
The rollout of Starlink across United’s fleet is happening as the carrier takes delivery of new single-aisle planes with seatback screens and retrofits them into existing planes.
United said that eventually, more than 300,000 entertainment screens will be operational across its fleet.
“We are committed to raising the bar when it comes to the onboard experience and with Starlink, we are changing the way people fly,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer.
“Whether it’s watching a live game, streaming an awards show or getting work done, United customers won’t miss a beat when they’re on a Starlink-equipped flight.”
Starlink access is free for all MileagePlus customers. If you do not sign up for a MileagePlus account, you will not have access to any WiFi, as the old system is removed during the Starlink install.