United Airlines receives FAA approval for Starlink Wi-Fi on Boeing 737-800 fleet

The company plans to eventually outfit its entire fleet with the new internet service. Access will be free for all MileagePlus members.

United also reported progress on installing Starlink on its smaller planes. More than half of the regional fleet now features the technology. The rollout began earlier this year when the service debuted on an Embraer 175 out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

According to United's previous statements, installation across all two-cabin regional jets is expected to finish by the end of 2025.

The introduction of faster and complimentary Wi-Fi aligns with broader trends in the U.S. airline industry. Other major carriers such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have either implemented or announced similar plans for free Wi-Fi throughout their fleets. JetBlue has provided complimentary browsing for years and recently upgraded its onboard connectivity.

This development reflects increasing competition among airlines to offer better inflight connectivity as a standard amenity.