United Lures Delta and American Customers With Starlink WiFi

United Airlines is looking to lure customers from American Airlines and Delta Air Lines with Starlink’s fast WiFi. The airline is specifically targeting frustrated customers of its rivals, pitching Starlink as a better in-flight experience.

United’s message to its rivals’ customers: “Don’t keep buffering: switch to United and get the fastest WiFi in the sky.”

Early Thursday, United’s X account replied to posts from users complaining about Delta’s WiFi.

Through October 15, United is matching the status of eligible Delta Air Lines and American Airlines elite members. This applies to American Gold or Delta Silver Medallion customers. 

Is In-Flight High-Speed WiFi Becoming the Norm?

Delta opted for Amazon Leo over Starlink’s WiFi. Similar to Starlink, Leo uses a constellation of satellites orbiting Earth to provide internet connectivity. However, JetBlue is currently Leo’s only other airline customer. Delta is looking to install the service on 500 aircraft by 2028.

Delta’s decision has drawn Elon Musk’s frustration ever since it chose Amazon Leo. On Tuesday, Musk posted on X that Delta CEO Ed Bastian would “lose his job over this.” It was the third time Musk had criticized Delta for choosing Amazon Leo.

On Thursday, the billionaire promoted United and American Airlines’ use of Starlink, along with their posts advertising status matches.

While American Airlines signed with Starlink in May, the service is not yet available. It is looking to roll out the service next year on its narrow-body aircraft and announced its loyalty-status match program late Wednesday.

United’s Satellite WiFi for Its Entire Fleet by 2027

United was the first U.S. airline to seal a deal with Starlink in 2024. Currently, more than 40 airlines have announced deals with Starlink. As of mid-September, a third of United’s fleet was already equipped with Starlink. This includes mainline aircraft as well as regional planes operated by its subsidiaries. Its goal is to equip its entire fleet with high-speed satellite WiFi by the end of 2027.