PASSENGERS flying with United may need to rethink their in-flight plans after the airline pulled a major tech perk from the skies.
The carrier has temporarily nixed a popular onboard feature after crews reported strange interference during flights.
GettyThe airline had recently begun installing the high-speed satellite internet system (stock image)[/caption] AlamyUnited confirmed the interference was traced back to the Starlink antenna mounted on the planes[/caption]The issue came from Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite WiFi system, recently installed on several of United’s regional jets.
The interference reportedly caused static during radio communication between pilots and air traffic control, according to The Wall Street Journal.
While the glitch wasn’t labeled a safety threat, United still took immediate action and disabled Starlink WiFi on the affected jets.
The airline had recently begun installing the high-speed satellite internet system from Elon Musk’s company, Space X.
Around two dozen United Embraer E175 jets were equipped with the tech before the unexpected “turbulence” forced the rollout to hit pause.
Pilots flagged issues shortly after the system went live, describing radio static during cockpit transmissions.
The Points Guy first reported the tech problems, citing internal airline memos and a company statement.
United confirmed the interference was traced back to the Starlink antenna mounted on the planes.
The glitch raised concerns about how satellite internet gear interacts with critical cockpit equipment.
“United and Starlink teams are working together to address a small number of reports of static interference during the operation of the WiFi system,” United said in a statement to The Points Guy.
“This is fairly common with any new airline WiFi provider.
“We expect the service to be back up and running on these aircraft soon.”
The airline added that both its team and Starlink engineers are working to find a fix.
For now, service remains suspended on all Embraer E175 aircraft with Starlink installed.
What is Elon Musk’s Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
It uses low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet globally.
It’s marketed as a faster, more reliable alternative to traditional inflight WiFi.
Starlink has already signed deals with multiple airlines, including United.
It promises seamless streaming and connectivity at 30,000 feet.
It’s still undergoing compatibility testing with aircraft systems – but its latest glitch on United planes raises safety and interference concerns
Airlines with Starlink
North America:
Hawaiian Airlines United Airlines WestJetEurope:
AirBaltic Air France SASAsia / Oceania:
Qatar Airways Air New ZealandIt’s unclear how long the system will stay offline or when it might return to service.
BE PREPARED
For now, travelers will have to plan ahead and be aware that they won’t have in-flight WiFi through Starlink.
Flyers can prepare by downloading any apps, movies, or other media you’ll want during the flight before you take off.
You could also go the old-fashioned way and enjoy a book or magazine on your flight – or catch some sleep.
While Starlink isn’t available on its select flights, other United flights still offer standard Wi-Fi.
On US domestic flights, United offers Wi-Fi starting at $8.
BRAND NEW TECH
The pause halts further installation of Starlink on more United jets until the issue is resolved.
Neither the FAA nor SpaceX has publicly commented on the situation.
It is also not known whether other airlines using Starlink are facing similar glitches.
Starlink’s satellite tech has been pitched as a game-changer in the skies, offering fast and stable WiFi at 30,000 feet.
But the hiccup has put the spotlight on how the system may clash with sensitive flight instruments.
United said the static was only reported in a “small number” of cases but opted to act out of caution.
The Starlink project is part of a broader push by United to upgrade in-flight connectivity across its fleet.
Now, the sudden snag could raise new concerns as the aviation industry leans on Musk’s expanding tech empire.
Starlink already powers home internet in rural areas and provides coverage through a network of low-orbit satellites.
In the air, though, the system still has hurdles to clear, especially when pilot radios are involved.
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