United Airlines is set to make aviation history tomorrow, 15 October 2025 at 0800H ET (2000H PhST), when Flight 2940 departs from Newark/New York (EWR) bound for Houston (IAH). This milestone flight marks the first time a major U.S. airline will offer SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi service on a mainline aircraft, providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity across both personal devices and inflight entertainment screens. The Boeing B737-800 operating the flight will give more than 170 passengers access to an internet experience comparable to what they enjoy at home, enabling seamless streaming, gaming, and online productivity at 30,000 feet.
The Starlink-equipped aircraft will continue its journey later in the day from Houston (IAH) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) as Flight 365 and back to Houston (IAH) as Flight 445, concluding its historic service in Texas. United plans to install Starlink on up to 15 mainline B737-800 aircraft each month, with another aircraft type expected to be certified for Starlink by year’s end. Currently, more than half of United’s regional fleet already offers Starlink connectivity, reflecting the airline’s aggressive push to redefine the inflight digital experience.
Each 737-800 will feature two Starlink antennas, and United expects to install approximately 2,940 antennas across its entire fleet—symbolically matching the flight number of the inaugural Starlink-equipped mainline service. MileagePlus® members will enjoy free access to Starlink Wi-Fi, with passengers notified ahead of time if their flight features the service.
United’s integration of Starlink technology promises to revolutionize air travel with enhanced connectivity and entertainment options. Passengers can live-stream their favorite shows, sports, and events without buffering or lag. The connection is strong enough to support real-time work collaboration, allowing professionals to upload and download files, edit documents, and participate in meetings while flying. Gamers can also continue their sessions mid-flight, accessing online multiplayer titles and live streaming platforms effortlessly.
Moreover, travelers can enjoy uninterrupted online shopping experiences—ordering groceries, making restaurant reservations, or booking travel plans—all from their seats. The system supports multiple devices simultaneously, giving passengers the freedom to connect their phones, tablets, laptops, and seatback screens at once.
United first introduced Starlink Wi-Fi on its regional fleet in May 2025. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of passengers on regional flights praising the service’s fast speeds and reliability. The success of these installations paved the way for expansion to United’s larger aircraft.
This Starlink rollout is part of United’s broader strategy to enhance passenger comfort and digital engagement. The airline aims to equip its fleet with more than 300,000 seatback screens—more than any other U.S. carrier—through a combination of new aircraft deliveries and retrofits. These investments reflect United’s multi-billion-dollar commitment to improving the customer experience, offering more value, and strengthening brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.
With Starlink onboard, United Airlines is not just improving Wi-Fi — it’s redefining what it means to stay connected in the skies.