United Airlines announced on Friday that its passengers will soon enjoy free satellite-based WiFi service from Starlink.
The deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX will equip all United Ailrines aircraft with free WiFi, allowing passengers to work and even watch movies during flights. United Airlines will start testing the service early next year, with some flights offering it by late 2025.
The financial details surrounding the deal weren’t publicized.
WiFi Access From Boarding to Deplaning
This is an attempt by the airline to stand out against competition, offering more amenities to its passengers. The airline’s goal is to make flights feel like being on the ground. With this deal, Starlink’s satellite-based WiFi will be available in United’s more than 1,000 aircraft. This will allow passengers to enjoy gate-to-gate internet from boarding to deplaning.
United CEO Scott Kirby said, “Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world.”
United says that passengers may still enjoy WiFi access in regions with weak or no WiFi and cell signals. This includes the polar regions and over oceans with no nearby cell towers.
From Paid to Free Service
This is a bold move by the company as airlines have charged passengers for services that were initially free. This includes services like free checked bags and free seat selection that became revenue sources for airlines.
Currently, United passengers pay $10 for onboard WiFi service, or $8 for members of the MileagePlus frequent-flyer program.
United isn’t the only airline that adopted Musk’s satellite-based WiFi services. Earlier this year, Hawaiian Airlines started offering free satellite-based WiFi from Starlink . And in 2022, regional airline JSX also signed a deal with Musk’s company.
However, not all airlines are impressed with Starlink. Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle said in 2022 that Starlink would need to lower its price before it becomes part of the low-cost airline’s services.
