United inks deal with Starlink for free in-flight Wi-Fi

United to offer free Starlink internet

By Mark Reif Published September 17, 2024

United plane on tarmac — David Syphers via Unsplash

United Airlines will introduce new levels of in-flight connectivity next year, agreeing with SpaceX to provide Starlink internet on its mainline and regional fleet. The free service will offer gate-to-gate high-speed, low-latency internet, unlocking industry-leading features in the sky.

Starlink will offer free, fast internet at 35,000 feet

Starlink wifi on United airplane — United Airlines

United will begin testing the service in early 2025, with initial passenger flights later in the year. The airline plans to install Starlink on its entire fleet — more than 1,000 airplanes — in the coming years. That gives customers high-performance internet in the skies, all at no cost.

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Starlink uses advanced satellites, with engineering provided by SpaceX. It provides global internet access, including over oceans and through polar regions—areas previously unreachable via the internet. United is the first carrier offering Starlink on such a large scale. Passengers will have internet access not only on personal devices but also on seatback screens.

United CEO Scott Kirby commented: “Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world. This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized. United’s culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers.”

Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX, said: “We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience. With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between.”

Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong…

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How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown

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Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
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