United Airlines is officially done playing the in-flight Wi-Fi waiting game. The airline just announced it’s stepping on the gas to roll out SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet across its fleet, promising high-speed, low-latency internet that makes your current “pay $20 to load a single email” experience feel like dial-up circa 1999.

(Source: Giphy) 

In short, the first passenger flight with Starlink-equipped Wi-Fi is set to take off this spring on a United Embraer E-175 regional jet, with the airline planning to deck out its entire regional fleet by the end of 2025. And if you’re flying on one of United’s mainline planes (think Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s)---you’ll likely be streaming your favorite Netflix series at 30,000 feet by year-end. Hells yeah. 

(Source: TechCrunch) 

What’s more is that United’s Chief Customer Officer Linda Jojo isn’t messing around. Starlink’s terminals will be installed in just two days per plane (or split over two nights if needed), making this one of the fastest tech upgrades in the airline industry. Why the rush, you ask? Because United’s MileagePlus program is at the heart of this initiative. According to Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus, the goal is to “revolutionize the experience of flying United” while unlocking “tons of new partnerships and benefits” for frequent fliers. Translation: They want to turn United into the airline of choice for anyone who values seamless connectivity—even in the air. 

But, but, but… the best part of this shindig is that Starlink Wi-Fi will be free for all MileagePlus members. Yes, you read that right. Free. No more reaching for your credit card mid-flight or cursing at the login screen. Plus,  MileagePlus members will be able to connect multiple devices under a single account, which is absolutely bigly if I do say so myself. 

(Source: Giphy) 

Now if you’re a regular flyer, I don’t have to tell you how convenient this will be for United passengers. This upgrade isn’t “in-flight” entertainment”... it’s in-flight empowerment. Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite internet promises ground-level speeds at cruising altitude, meaning passengers will be able to stream live video without the dreaded buffering wheel, attend Zoom calls, and shop online throughout the entire flight (which is either a good thing or a bad thing). 

So yeah, United leveraging this Starlink rollout is basically bringing an end to the era where “Wi-Fi available” meant “maybe your browser will load before we land.” And it’s happening within United’s MileagePlus program which is already considered one of the best in the biz. For instance, over the summer of 2024, more than 3 million MileagePlus members redeemed miles for award tickets, filling the equivalent of 100 Boeing 777s every day. Now, imagine adding free, high-speed Wi-Fi into the mix—United’s frequent flier program is about to become the club everyone wants to join.

(Source: Yahoo Finance) 

Naturally, this is only set to add fuel to the fire to United Airlines shares, which have already been on an absolute tear over the past twelve months. Shares have climbed 122.9% over the past year, hitting $95.67 as of January 3, and now, the  Starlink announcement is undoubtedly a tailwind for the stock, as investors see the airline doubling down on customer experience and tech innovation. Plus, let’s face it: Being the first airline to roll out SpaceX’s internet service across its fleet is a flex. It’s like showing up to the party with the new iPhone while everyone else is still stuck on Android.

In the end, United Airlines is going all in on Starlink, and it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Passengers get the kind of in-flight internet they’ve been dreaming of, MileagePlus members get another reason to stay loyal, and investors get a stock that’s already up triple digits with no signs of slowing down.

(Source: Giphy) 

Meaning, if you’re not paying attention to United Airlines, it might be best to start. They’re starting 2025 off with a bang, and from the looks of it—their runway of momentum seems to be getting longer by the day. As always, do what you will with this information and place your bets accordingly. 

As always, stay safe and stay frosty, friends! Until next time…

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Stocks.News holds positions in United Airlines and Netflix as mentioned in the article.