United Airlines has begun installing Starlink inflight Wi-Fi on its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, starting with aircraft based in Guam. Two of the 10 Guam-based jets are already equipped, while the aircraft have also completed the replacement of the island’s Boeing 737-800 fleet ahead of schedule. The MAX 8s operate United’s narrowbody services across Micronesia and Asia, including the Island Hopper.
The remaining eight aircraft are expected to receive Starlink by the end of 2026. Installation takes about three days per aircraft, based on local reporting. The service uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide connectivity over oceans and remote areas, where conventional inflight Wi-Fi can be less reliable.
Starlink is free to United MileagePlus members in all classes and supports simultaneous connections on multiple devices. Passengers receive notification before departure when their aircraft is equipped, and the service is available from the gate rather than only after reaching cruising altitude.
United introduced the first Guam-based MAX 8s in March 2026. The 10 aircraft now serve 15 destinations across Micronesia and Asia. Starlink was available on approximately 46% of United’s daily flights at the time of the rollout, with fleetwide installation planned before the end of 2027.