On October 14, 2025, United Airlines operated its first mainline flight equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet. Flight 2940 departed from Newark/New York to Houston at 8 a.m. Eastern Time, marking the first major U.S. airline to offer Starlink Wi‑Fi on a mainline aircraft. The 737‑800 was fitted with two Starlink antennas, providing high‑speed, low‑latency connectivity for passengers’ personal devices and the plane’s inflight entertainment screens.
The launch follows United’s earlier rollout of Starlink on its regional fleet, where more than half of the Embraer 175 jets already carry the system. United plans to install nearly 2,940 antennas across its entire fleet, with the first mainline installation serving as a proof‑of‑concept for broader deployment. The service is free for MileagePlus members and is expected to unlock new revenue streams through the airline’s Connected Media business.
The flight also included a subsequent leg from Houston to Fort Lauderdale and back to Houston, demonstrating the operational feasibility of Starlink on longer routes. By offering seamless, high‑bandwidth internet, United aims to enhance customer experience, drive brand loyalty, and differentiate itself in a competitive market. The successful deployment of Starlink on a mainline aircraft represents a significant technological milestone for United and the broader airline industry.
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