United Unveils Exciting New Free In-Flight Benefit

For those who find it hard to disconnect, even while flying, United Airlines has introduced a new in-flight perk that might interest you.

The Chicago-based airline has recently announced a partnership with SpaceX, the tech company led by Elon Musk, to provide Starlink satellite internet across its fleet of over 1,000 aircraft. Even better, this connectivity will be available to passengers at no cost.

“Everything you can accomplish on the ground will soon be possible aboard a United flight at 35,000 feet, nearly anywhere around the globe,” said United CEO Scott Kirby in a press release. “This connectivity enhances the in-flight entertainment experience, making content more personalized for every seat.”

Passengers will be able to connect multiple devices to the system simultaneously and access the internet via the seatback monitor. United asserts that the speeds will match those experienced on the ground, allowing travelers to watch live TV, stream movies and shows, browse social media, shop online, and play live video games. Additionally, guests can obtain real-time information regarding their connections and access customer support through an Agent on Demand feature, which could be beneficial for those who need to rebook flights after delays.

The airline announced that it will start testing the Wi-Fi in 2025 and aims to introduce it on passenger flights by the end of that year. Within a few years after that, high-speed internet will be accessible fleetwide.

United is joining a growing list of airlines that are attracting travelers with complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. Currently, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue provide free internet through Viasat, a California-based company. JSX, a private charter jet service, was the first to offer Starlink to its passengers. Other airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, Zipair, Qatar Airways, and Air New Zealand also provide Starlink internet, but for a fee.

In recent years, advancing technology has been a significant priority for United. In 2023, the airline introduced Live Activities, an Apple feature that delivers real-time notifications to travelers’ lock screens. Passengers with the United app who have checked in can view immediate updates about their departure gate and a countdown to boarding (and departure) without needing to open the app. The Live Activity widget allows customers to quickly access their boarding pass with a simple swipe.

Earlier this year, United launched another in-app feature: the option to receive an alert when your desired seat becomes available. If your preferred seat type isn’t available at the time of booking, you’ll be notified if someone changes or cancels their flight, making your preferred window, middle, aisle, emergency exit, or bulkhead row seat available for selection.