United Airlines has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to offer passengers free high-speed Wi-Fi during flights. This move is set to enhance the standard of in-flight connectivity, which has long been criticized for being expensive and unreliable.

Starlink services will soon be available on United’s fleet of 1,000 aircraft, allowing passengers to stream movies, browse the internet, and even play online games without buffering. In addition, passengers will be able to connect multiple devices simultaneously, catering to those who need to work remotely while in the air.

United Airlines partners with SpaceX’s Starlink to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi

Currently, United Airlines charges for Wi-Fi access, with MileagePlus members paying $8 and nonmembers paying $10. However, with Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite technology, the airline aims to provide faster and more reliable internet. The airline will begin testing the service in 2025, with full deployment expected later that year.

United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, stated, “This connectivity opens the door for an even better in-flight entertainment experience, in every seatback — more content, that’s more personalized.” SpaceX’s President Gwynne Shotwell added that the partnership would “transform” the flying experience by offering seamless internet access from takeoff to landing.

As internet access becomes an expectation for passengers, this deal sets a new precedent in the aviation industry, potentially allowing passengers to even take Zoom calls at 35,000 feet.