United Starlink Wi-Fi hits mainline: first 737 on Oct. 15

Published on Sep 26, 2025, 3:27 pm CDT

5 min read

United Airlines has received FAA certification to operate its first mainline aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi, clearing a Boeing 737-800 to enter service on October 15 from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The approval amends Starlink's Supplemental Type Certificate for the 737-800 to include United's fleet, moving the carrier's free, high-speed connectivity beyond regional jets and onto larger aircraft. United says Starlink is now on more than half of its regional fleet, with installations continuing at roughly 50 jets per month.

Key points

Why it matters: Faster, free onboard internet expands from regional jets to United's 737-800 mainline fleet.
Travel impact: Free access for MileagePlus members supports streaming, work, and gaming gate-to-gate.
What's next: Additional aircraft types will certify as United and SpaceX progress through more than 16 models.
First Starlink mainline flight is scheduled October 15 from EWR.
United reports strong early satisfaction scores on Starlink-equipped regional flights.

Snapshot

The FAA approved an amendment to Starlink's STC for the Boeing 737-800 that covers United's aircraft, enabling the airline's first Starlink-equipped mainline jet to enter service on October 15. United completed the hardware installation on that 737-800 and continues an aggressive regional rollout, averaging about 50 installations per month and surpassing the halfway mark of its United Express fleet. MileagePlus members get Starlink for free, with United citing speeds up to 250 Mbps to support streaming, shopping, and gaming. The certification builds on United's first customer flight with Starlink in May on an Embraer 175 and positions the program to expand across more than 16 regional and mainline types as additional STCs are secured.

Background

United unveiled Starlink on a regional Embraer 175 in May, reporting high customer satisfaction and positioning free Wi-Fi as a core perk for MileagePlus enrollment. The airline describes the Starlink hardware as lighter and more reliable than legacy systems, reducing install time and fuel burn while improving uptime. Starlink's aviation STC portfolio now spans multiple models, including the 737-800, 737 MAX, and 777 variants, with more types in development. United's move follows a broader U.S. trend of tying complimentary Wi-Fi to loyalty programs as carriers race to standardize streaming-grade connectivity. For context on the competitive baseline, see our coverage of Southwest's plan to switch on free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members this fall, and TSA's 2030 checkpoint tech roadmap that will further streamline the airport journey. Southwest free WiFi launches Oct. 24 for Rapid Rewards TSA's 2030 vision: Seamless screening with TSA digital ID, biometrics, and AI

Latest developments

United Starlink Wi-Fi rollout details and what travelers should expect

United confirms the FAA's STC amendment now covers its 737-800 fleet, with the first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft slated to fly October 15 from Newark. Regional-fleet momentum continues at roughly 50 aircraft per month, and more than half of United Express jets already carry the system. United emphasizes a simple, high-speed experience that supports video streaming and gaming, with free access for MileagePlus members after login. Starlink's published STC roster lists the Boeing 737-800 under FAA STC ST09945AC, alongside approvals for the 737 MAX and 777 family, and adds timelines for further types in development. Together, these steps open the door for broader mainline activation through 2026 as additional United aircraft complete installs and certification.

Analysis

For travelers, the immediate win is consistency. United's Starlink deployment on the 737-800 should bring regional-jet-level speed and reliability to busier mainline routes, narrowing the gap between at-home and in-flight connectivity. Tying access to MileagePlus enrollment lets United scale free Wi-Fi without per-flight paywalls, while nudging sign-ups that deepen customer data and loyalty value. From an operations lens, lighter, weather-hardened equipment and a faster install cycle reduce downtime and fuel burn, which are meaningful cost levers on high-utilization narrow-bodies. Certification cadence matters, too. With the 737-800 cleared and other types progressing, United can concentrate modification lines where they deliver the most network benefit and passenger reach. Competitive pressure is rising as rivals expand free Wi-Fi programs; United's advantage hinges on keeping install velocity high and experience uniform across cabins. If the airline maintains its current pace, mainline saturation should meaningfully increase in the months after the October 15 debut, making "United Starlink Wi-Fi" a practical reality on more routes.

Final thoughts

United's first Starlink-equipped 737-800 entering service on October 15 is a clear milestone, shifting free, streaming-grade internet from regional to mainline fleets. Enrollment-gated access aligns with industry norms and reduces friction onboard. The next phase depends on certification and install throughput across additional types, but today's approval signals a strong runway. Expect more mainline routes to advertise streaming-capable service, particularly through Newark, as aircraft rotate into schedule. For frequent flyers, this is the moment United's Wi-Fi ambitions become tangible across larger aircraft, advancing the promise of United Starlink Wi-Fi.