Key facts
- Starlink is fast becoming one of the biggest factors for passengers choosing an airline, United's CEO says.
- United has equipped almost half of its planes with Starlink.
- Some travelers are choosing flights on smaller regional airplanes to ensure they can access Starlink.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby believes that, after flight schedules, Starlink's high-speed WiFi is now the most significant factor influencing passengers' choice of airline. He stated this on Tuesday's episode of the "Cheeky Pint" podcast. Kirby noted that some travelers are specifically seeking out flights equipped with Starlink, even prioritizing it over ticket prices. United has already equipped nearly half of its aircraft with the service, which is standard on its regional United Express flights, though less than 3% of its long-haul wide-body jets currently feature it. American Airlines is set to begin installing Starlink terminals early next year, while Delta Air Lines has opted for Amazon's competing Leo service, scheduled for a 2028 launch.