United is teasing Delta for not having Starlink on its planes, and trying to lure loyal customers with its fast WiFi
United Airlines is leveraging its partnership with Starlink to attract elite status customers from competitors like Delta and American. The airline is offering status matches to travelers frustrated by the lack of high-speed in-flight WiFi on rival carriers.
Why it matters
This highlights how high-speed satellite internet has become a key competitive differentiator in the airline industry's loyalty programs.
United Airlines said it installed Starlink on over 560 of its airplanes as of mid-September. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images United is offering to match travelers' loyalty status on Delta and American. The offer came as some Delta passengers online bemoaned its lack of Starlink in-flight WiFi. Delta is one of only a few airlines that have chosen not to install Starlink on its planes. United Airlines is trying to pry away its rivals' loyal fliers with a not-so-subtle jab at their lack of Starlink. "Don't keep buffering: switch to United and get the fastest WiFi in the sky," reads its offer to match travelers' loyalty status on Delta Air Lines or American Airlines. Early on Thursday, United's X account replied to a dozen posts from users who were discussing the offer or complaining about Delta's in-flight WiFi.
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