Sitting at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet, it’s easy to feel disconnected — literally — from the world below. For years, in-flight internet has existed, but often in the realm of slow browsing or hit-or-miss signal. With the arrival of Starlink on select U.S. flights, that experience is changing dramatically. If you’ve ever wished your iPhone could stream video, handle video calls, or keep you truly connected while airborne, Starlink in flight might be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
Why Starlink Is Different
Traditional in-flight Wi-Fi systems often depend on older geostationary satellites or ground-based networks that struggle to deliver consistent speed over oceans and remote routes. Starlink, powered by SpaceX’s low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation, provides faster connections with lower latency, often enough to stream, browse, and work on your iPhone similar to what you’d expect on the ground.
Which U.S. Airlines Offer Starlink Today
A handful of U.S. carriers are already offering — or planning — Starlink connectivity on board:
United Airlines
United has been a leading adopter of Starlink, outfitting Boeing aircraft with the service. Several mainline flights now offer Starlink Wi-Fi that passengers can access during flight; the carrier is expanding this across more of its network.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian was among the first U.S. airlines to introduce Starlink on its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft, offering high-speed internet on transpacific and domestic routes.
Other U.S. Carriers
While not yet based on Starlink specifically, other domestic airlines are improving connectivity in different ways. American Airlines recently launched free high-speed Wi-Fi (sponsored by AT&T) across its narrow-body fleet, accessible via login and usable for basic browsing and streaming.
How to Use Starlink Wi-Fi With Your iPhone
Getting online mid-flight is much simpler than many expect:
- Turn on Wi-Fi on your iPhone after the aircraft reaches cruising altitude.
- Connect to the airline’s onboard network (it may be branded with the carrier’s name).
- Follow the login steps — this may include entering your loyalty program credentials or selecting a pass (Starlink may be free on some flights or require a nominal purchase on others).
Once connected, you can stream video, browse the web, check social feeds, or even use cloud apps. Since Starlink runs through a satellite link, many airlines present a simple portal for access.
What to Expect With In-Flight Starlink
Starlink’s biggest advantage is speed and consistency. Passengers report speeds far above older systems, which means you can:
- Stream movies and shows directly to your iPhone.
- Join video calls or virtual meetings (keeping airline safety policies in mind).
- Download or upload large files.
- Use cloud-based apps without long load times.
Different airlines may have varying rules about streaming or video calls, but the underlying connection is fast enough to make these use cases realistic.
How Starlink Compares With Competitors
Starlink is not the only in-flight Wi-Fi option, and it’s useful to know how others compare:
Legacy satellite systems (like ViaSat) and ground networks still power Wi-Fi on many carriers. These often deliver speeds good enough for light browsing or messaging but may struggle with high-bandwidth tasks like HD streaming.
Future services like Amazon’s Project Kuiper are planned to boost connectivity even further, with JetBlue announcing a rollout tied to Kuiper satellites starting around 2027.
Because these different systems use varying technologies and frequencies, experiences can vary widely by airline and route.
Entertainment Beyond Connectivity
High-speed Wi-Fi is one piece of the in-flight entertainment puzzle. Many carriers also pair Starlink or other systems with:
- Seatback systems showing movies, TV shows, and games.
- Airline-specific apps that let you stream content to your iPhone or tablet while airborne.
- Offline entertainment options you can preload before you fly.
These offerings complement online connectivity, making longer flights feel shorter and more enjoyable.
What It Means for iPhone Users
For iPhone users, the rise of Starlink in the air means you can finally use your device the way you do on the ground — streaming shows, staying in touch with friends, checking work messages, or simply browsing without downloading everything before takeoff. That’s a big leap from the old days of painfully slow, spotty connections.
Airlines are racing to upgrade their connectivity technology, and as Starlink and competitors expand, more flights will offer fast internet as part of the travel experience — not as an optional add-on you avoid.
