UNITED AIRLINES WILL OFFER FREE INTERNET ON FLIGHTS USING SERVICE FROM ELON MUSK'S SPACEX

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.

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The airline said the service will be free to passengers and allow them to connect multiple devices.

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.

Delta Air Lines began offering free in-flight Wi-Fi last year using Viasat, a rival to Starlink. Hawaiian Airlines uses Starlink for free internet service on Airbus A321neo flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. United plans a more aggressive rollout across its fleet of more than 1,000 United and United Express planes.

Linda Jojo, United's chief customer officer, said U.S. passengers now expect free WiFi, making it one of the most sought-after on-board amenities among all types of travelers.

"It doesn't matter where you're sitting on the plane, it doesn't matter how much you paid for your ticket, you're going to benefit" from the service, Jojo said.

Starlink will let passengers get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing, she said.