United Airlines has officially received FAA approval to equip its Boeing 737-800 fleet with Starlink satellite internet. This milestone makes United the first major U.S. carrier to bring SpaceX’s high-speed, low-latency internet to mainline aircraft.

📡 What this means for travelers (compared to traditional in-flight Wi-Fi):

• Speed & reliability: Traditional systems often cap out at 10–20 Mbps and struggle with streaming. Starlink delivers up to 250 Mbps, supporting streaming, video calls, and even gaming.

• Coverage: While older networks can be patchy over oceans and remote regions, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites provide consistent global coverage.

• Access: Many airlines charge steep fees for slow service. United will offer free access to MileagePlus members, setting a new benchmark.

The first Starlink-equipped flight is scheduled for October 15, 2025, departing from Newark Liberty International Airport — the start of a rollout that will eventually cover 1,000+ aircraft.

This partnership between United and SpaceX represents a new era of passenger experience, where staying connected in the sky will finally feel as seamless as being on the ground. 🌍✨

👉 Do you think this marks the end of “bad airplane Wi-Fi”?