Flying offers an essential service for millions of people who prefer it to slower forms of travel. But unless you can afford first class, no one can say that the experience of flying is a comfortable one.
Airplanes used to be much roomier in the ’60s, but as the decades went on, airlines seized the opportunity to reduce that room to fit more passengers on flights. This is why it’s nigh impossible to fly these days without rubbing against your seatmate’s arm.
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Yes, roomier options are available at the front of the plane. But the longer your flight, the more they cost, and many people can’t afford a ticket that costs thousands. So you pack your bags, pop in your earbuds, and do your best to survive the uncomfortable passage to your destination.
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Airlines have tried to address this issue in different ways. Spirit Airlines, for instance, went all in on making travel as cheap as possible by turning things like carry-ons and drink service into add-on options instead of including them in the cost of your ticket.
But the approach clearly lost its luster for travelers. Spirit filed for bankruptcy in November 2024, and while it’s since emerged from it with a restructuring plan, it’s now trying to rebrand as a luxury option, which sounds about as viable as winning the lottery.
Speaking of luxury, United Airlines has just debuted a new perk on its flights that’s so impressive, it could sway you to book with the airline just to take advantage of it.
United passengers enjoy the amenities of its Grab and Go lounge, and they’re about to get an even bigger perk.
Image source: United Airlines
United Airlines begins a historic rollout
We all know the annoying drill of getting ready to take off: you’re told to put your phone away and switch it to airport mode.
But what if you didn’t have to do that at all?
United’s latest upgrade is the first to offer travelers that very opportunity. Starting this month, the airline begins a rollout of Starlink internet on all its aircraft, a process that will be completed by 2026. United has promised to convert 40 aircraft a month to Starlink to reach that goal.
The new wi-fi will be free to MileagePlus members, United’s free membership service. Plus it will be blisteringly fast, with speeds 50 times faster than what we’re used to on the ground, and available from gate to gate, so there’ll be no need to wait until the plane makes it to 10,000 feet.
Related: United to make several luxury changes many will appreciate
The first flights to feature Starlink service will be regional. A Chicago O’Hare to Detroit flight on May 15 was the first. The next ones will be flights from Chicago to Nashville and Charlottesville. United has said it will prioritize upgrading the regional flights before moving on to mainline aircraft.
“This internet is fast. It’s going to feel like nothing you’ve ever experienced in the skies before,” Grant Milstead, United vice president of digital technology, said. “It’s faster than the internet at my house.”
United takes a shot at Delta’s dominance
United is the number two airline by revenue, with earnings of $53.7 billion reported in 2023. But it still falls behind Delta, which made $58 billion in the same period.
However, by adding Starlink to its fleet, United now has a powerful weapon to use against Delta that could draw customers in droves, especially those who need to work on their flights.
Despite internet service on flights having been available for some time (and typically for an upcharge), many complain of its instability. Many workers board flights expecting to use the time to work, but end up coping with severe slowdowns.
Delta also offers free wi-fi to its SkyMiles members, and it’s also available from pushback to park. But when it comes to speed, it would be very hard to compete with Elon Musk’s famed Starlink.
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