United said Friday it will start testing Starlink early next year and put it on the entire fleet of planes over the next several years.
CHICAGO — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board …
![SAVE THE PENGUINS: Tulsa Zoo warns of African Penguins future in the wild [Video]](https://StartupBusinessReady.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mp_571564_0_90.jpg)
![Delta to begin serving Shake Shack burgers on flights but only for certain customers [Video]](https://StartupBusinessReady.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mp_571592_0_newFile2jpg.jpg)
![RV Sales to be Banned Across 6 Blue States Under New Climate Rule; Local News on Manufactured Housing Missing Mark Underscores Need for Widespread MHVille Education-Marketing [Video]](https://StartupBusinessReady.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mp_568951_0_RVSalesToBeBannedAcross6BlueStatesUnderNewClimateRuleLocalNewsOnManufacturedHousingMissingMarkUnderscoresNeedForWidespreadMHVilleEducationMarketingFEAMHProNewsjpg.jpg)
![Check out handmade goods and crafts at the Milwaukee Makers Market [Video]](https://StartupBusinessReady.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mp_569208_0_90.jpg)
