For many, the sight of a regional jet doesn't inspire excitement. But a quiet revolution is taking place in the skies, transforming these smaller planes into surprisingly connected spaces. United Airlines has quietly completed installations of Starlink Wi-Fi on nearly all of its “dual cabin” regional jets – the United Express planes offering both first class and coach.
The best part? This isn’t a premium service reserved for select passengers. Every seat, regardless of cabin class, now has access to remarkably fast, free internet. All that’s required is a MileagePlus loyalty number to unlock a seamless online experience at 30,000 feet.
This milestone, reached just ten months after the first equipped jet took flight, represents a significant leap forward in in-flight connectivity. Over 300 aircraft are now soaring with Starlink, offering a level of performance previously unheard of on regional routes.
United’s ambition doesn’t stop with its regional fleet. The airline initially announced plans to outfit its entire fleet – over 1,000 planes – with Starlink technology in late 2024. This commitment reflects a broader industry trend towards providing passengers with reliable, complimentary Wi-Fi.
Currently, a quarter of all United departures each day are operating with Starlink-enabled connectivity. These regional jets are constantly in motion, serving as vital links between numerous United hubs and smaller destinations, maximizing the impact of this upgrade.
The rollout is progressing steadily. Installations on larger mainline aircraft began late last year, and the airline anticipates having Starlink on board more than 800 planes by the end of 2026. The entire project, encompassing cabin upgrades and technological advancements, is slated for completion in 2027.
The final stages of implementation depend on receiving approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for installations on a variety of aircraft models, including Boeing 737-900ERs, Airbus A321s, and Boeing 777s. This regulatory process is a crucial step in bringing the full benefits of Starlink to all United passengers.
United isn’t alone in recognizing the value of free, high-speed Wi-Fi. Delta, Southwest, American, and Alaska Airlines are all actively upgrading their fleets and offering complimentary access to loyalty program members. JetBlue has long been a pioneer in this space, providing free inflight Wi-Fi for years.
This shift towards ubiquitous connectivity is reshaping the travel experience. Passengers can now seamlessly work, stream, and connect with loved ones while in the air, turning travel time into productive or enjoyable moments. The future of flight is undeniably connected.
