Big news for United flyers: The airline's game-changing Starlink WiFi rollout is officially back on track after resolving technical issues that temporarily grounded the service. With 60+ aircraft now equipped and the problems firmly in the rearview mirror, MileagePlus members are getting access to what might be the best inflight internet experience ever offered by a U.S. carrier.

Technical Hiccups Now Behind Us

United executives confirmed this week that the static interference issues that forced a temporary shutdown of Starlink service on regional jets have been completely resolved. The problem? Starlink antennas were positioned too close to flight deck communication equipment on smaller regional aircraft, causing interference with air traffic control channels.

"They worked around that, and we think that the issue's behind us," said United's chief operations officer Toby Enqvist during the airline's earnings call. The fix was straightforward, and larger mainline aircraft won't face similar challenges due to their roomier designs.

What This Means for Your Next Flight

If you're a United MileagePlus member (and if you're not, join for free right now), you're about to experience internet speeds that are reportedly 50 times faster than traditional airplane WiFi. We're talking streaming Netflix, video calls, gaming, and productivity work that actually functions at 35,000 feet.

The service is completely free for MileagePlus members with no device limits and works gate-to-gate throughout your entire flight. That means you can stay connected from the moment you settle into your seat until you reach the terminal.

Rollout Timeline: Faster Than Expected

United is moving aggressively with its Starlink installation:

• Currently: 60+ regional jets equipped and flying
• Through 2025: All 300+ two-cabin regional jets will have Starlink
• Late 2025/Early 2026: Mainline aircraft installations begin
• Ultimate goal: Over 1,000 aircraft across United's entire fleet

The airline is installing Starlink on approximately 40 planes per month, making this one of the most ambitious inflight connectivity upgrades in aviation history.

How to Know If Your Flight Has Starlink

Before your trip, check your flight's status page and look for "Internet by Starlink, free for United MileagePlus members" in the inflight amenities section. You'll also receive an email notification the day before departure if you're flying on an equipped aircraft.

Once onboard, connecting is simple: Join the "UnitedWiFi.com" network, which automatically launches the United app to verify your MileagePlus membership. After a brief ad, you're connected—and you can easily add additional devices by scanning QR codes.

Strategic Value for Points Enthusiasts

This isn't just about better internet—it's about maximizing the value of your United elite status pursuit. Free high-speed WiFi adds significant tangible value to MileagePlus membership, especially for business travelers who can now work productively during flights.

The connectivity also unlocks new possibilities for award booking and points management. Imagine being able to snag last-minute award seats, monitor transfer partner promotions, or manage your travel plans in real-time during your flight.

Part of a Global Aviation Revolution

United's Starlink success is part of a massive industry shift that's transforming inflight connectivity worldwide. Airlines are racing to adopt SpaceX's Starlink satellite network because it delivers speeds up to 50 times faster than traditional systems with dramatically lower latency.

Major airlines already offering or rolling out Starlink include:

• Hawaiian Airlines: All A330 and A321neo aircraft equipped
• Qatar Airways: 80% of Boeing 777 fleet installed, A350s starting 2025
• Air France: Fleet-wide rollout beginning summer 2025
• Virgin Atlantic: Major Starlink announcement with premium upgrades
• airBaltic: Complete fleet already equipped

According to recent speed tests, airlines using Starlink are delivering median download speeds exceeding 150 Mbps with latency as low as 44 milliseconds—making video calls, streaming, and cloud-based work genuinely productive at altitude.

This shift represents what aviation industry experts call "a new era of high-speed inflight connectivity," with passenger satisfaction increasingly tied to WiFi quality as a key differentiator between carriers.

For frequent United flyers, this development reinforces the airline's position as the most tech-forward U.S. carrier. Combined with recent improvements like the upgrade checker tool and enhanced MileagePlus benefits, United continues building compelling reasons to concentrate your loyalty with them.

Bottom Line

United's Starlink WiFi is no longer a promise—it's a reality that's expanding rapidly across the fleet. If you're not already a MileagePlus member, this free perk alone makes signing up worthwhile. For existing members, it's yet another reason to book that next United flight and enjoy productivity (or entertainment) at altitude.

Pro tip: Want to maximize your United experience? Check out our guide on earning United elite status and make sure you're getting the most from every flight.