United Flight 2940 will make history on Wednesday

United Airlines is marking a historical moment this Wednesday as United Flight 2940 takes off from Newark/New York bound for Houston. This historic flight marks the first time a major U.S. airline will offer Starlink Wi-Fi on a mainline aircraft, providing seamless, high-speed internet connectivity across both personal devices and the airline's in-flight entertainment screens.

The Boeing 737-800, carrying over 170 customers, promises a connectivity experience like at home, unlocking capabilities for live TV, streaming services, online shopping, and gaming at 35,000 feet. This significant upgrade signals a new era for passenger convenience and productivity in air travel. Following its inaugural Starlink-equipped mainline journey, the aircraft is scheduled to fly from Houston to Fort Lauderdale (UA365) and then back to Houston (UA445) later the same day.

United has ambitious plans for the widespread adoption of Starlink. The airline anticipates installing two Starlink antennas on up to 15 mainline 737-800 aircraft each month, with a long-term goal of equipping nearly 2,940 antennas across its entire fleet. Domestically, United is already ahead of the curve, having installed Starlink on more than half of its regional fleet since its first regional flight rollout in May. By the end of the year, another aircraft type is expected to be certified for Starlink installation, accelerating the fleet-wide transformation.

For passengers, access to this premium connectivity comes with distinct advantages. Starlink Wi-Fi will be offered free of charge to United MileagePlus members. Customers will also receive a notification before their flight if it is equipped with the high-speed internet service.