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United: Starlink Wi-Fi issues 'behind us,' 60 jets now equipped with the fast, free service
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United Airlines has "resolved" the problem that led the carrier to turn off brand-new Starlink Wi-Fi systems on regional jets last month, executives said Thursday.
That's great news for passengers hoping to use its fastest inflight internet yet, which is free for MileagePlus members.
In early June, TPG was first to report that the Chicago-based carrier had to disable its Starlink service after pilots reported static interference on channels they use to communicate with air traffic control. This problem occurred on some of the first United Express jets to get the Wi-Fi upgrade.
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It was an unexpected hurdle in an ambitious rollout of the high-tech internet service, for which United had accelerated the timeline.
United executives shared three encouraging updates on Thursday.
The first update was that the problem has "pretty much been resolved," United's chief operations officer Toby Enqvist said on the company's second-quarter earnings call.
The second: United doesn't expect to encounter similar delays on its larger planes.
The problem, Enqvist said, was that the antennas used by Starlink and the flight deck were too close together on the smaller regional jets that were first to get the new service
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"They worked around that ... and we think that the issue's behind us," Enqvist added. "And, again, for the other fleet types, because the airplanes that we're going to put them on are much larger, we won't have the issue."
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Finally, United announced that 60 of its planes are currently flying with the new Starlink service. So, the chances keep getting better that you'll have access to fast and free connectivity if you're on a United Express regional flight.
I tried out the Starlink service on a special media flight in May and found it to be high-quality enough that I could accomplish anything I needed to inflight, from streaming a sports game to watching a YouTube video to working (including all at the same time).
Last year, United said it would update its entire fleet with the new service, accelerating a wave of airlines pivoting to higher-caliber (and free) inflight Wi-Fi.
Related reading:
- 6 things you need to know about United Airlines MileagePlus
- The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
- What is United Airlines elite status worth?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- How to survive basic economy on United Airlines
Featured image by
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our
product review methodology for more information.
United Airlines has "resolved" the problem that led the carrier to turn off brand-new Starlink Wi-Fi systems on regional jets last month, executives said Thursday.
That's great news for passengers hoping to use its fastest inflight internet yet, which is free for MileagePlus members.
In early June, TPG was first to report that the Chicago-based carrier had to disable its Starlink service after pilots reported static interference on channels they use to communicate with air traffic control. This problem occurred on some of the first United Express jets to get the Wi-Fi upgrade.
Best airlines report 2025: Delta tops TPG's rankings for 7th straight year
It was an unexpected hurdle in an ambitious rollout of the high-tech internet service, for which United had accelerated the timeline.
United executives shared three encouraging updates on Thursday.
The first update was that the problem has "pretty much been resolved," United's chief operations officer Toby Enqvist said on the company's second-quarter earnings call.
The second: United doesn't expect to encounter similar delays on its larger planes.
The problem, Enqvist said, was that the antennas used by Starlink and the flight deck were too close together on the smaller regional jets that were first to get the new service
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
"They worked around that ... and we think that the issue's behind us," Enqvist added. "And, again, for the other fleet types, because the airplanes that we're going to put them on are much larger, we won't have the issue."
Inside scoop: United's tech chief reveals the fate of 'Expert Mode,' free Wi-Fi and more
Finally, United announced that 60 of its planes are currently flying with the new Starlink service. So, the chances keep getting better that you'll have access to fast and free connectivity if you're on a United Express regional flight.
I tried out the Starlink service on a special media flight in May and found it to be high-quality enough that I could accomplish anything I needed to inflight, from streaming a sports game to watching a YouTube video to working (including all at the same time).
Last year, United said it would update its entire fleet with the new service, accelerating a wave of airlines pivoting to higher-caliber (and free) inflight Wi-Fi.
Related reading:
- 6 things you need to know about United Airlines MileagePlus
- The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
- What is United Airlines elite status worth?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- How to survive basic economy on United Airlines
Featured image by
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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