United Airlines accelerates its Starlink rollout, with first commercial flight planned for spring

United Airlines and Starlink Partnership - United Airlines has accelerated its timeline for testing and implementing Starlink in-flight internet service, with testing starting next month and the first passenger flight offering Starlink taking off this spring [1] - The company plans to install Starlink on its entire regional fleet by the end of the year, with the first mainline planes (Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s) also receiving the service before year-end [2] Installation and Technical Details - The installation of the new Starlink terminal is scheduled to take about two days while the aircraft is in base, with the option to split the installation over two nights [2] - Starlink promises to deliver an in-flight Wi-Fi experience comparable to ground-based internet, with sufficient bandwidth for streaming live video, accessing productivity apps, and playing live games [3] Customer Benefits and Program Integration - Starlink service will be free for all members of United's MileagePlus frequent flyer program, and fliers will be able to connect with multiple devices under the same account [4] - The addition of Starlink is central to United's plans for MileagePlus members this year, aiming to revolutionize the flying experience and unlock new partnerships and benefits [4]