# United Starlink blanks seatback screens on some 737-900s

_Thursday 15:39_

Tags: United Airlines, other, airline, other relevant news

Type: Industry news

## Summary

Live and Let's Fly reports that United installed Starlink on a small group of Boeing 737-900s in the 73C configuration before the United Next interior upgrade, which shut off DirecTV and left seatback monitors with no content. A November 3 memo named 5 internal fleet numbers. That list is not permanent or comprehensive, and aircraft assignments can change.

Covered screens carry placards pointing MileagePlus members to free Starlink Wi-Fi. Flight attendants brief safety live instead of playing the video. United's CISO said Starlink deployment had been accelerated to 18 months from a prior window of two to three years. The November 5 tracker listed 677 equipped jets and Starlink on 50% of daily flights, with completion still shown by the end of 2027.

On those jets, passengers get free high-speed Starlink but must stream on their own devices until the cabin refresh. Travelers without a screen, including children, lose in-seat entertainment. Check the tracker within 3 days of departure and bring a charged device and headphones in case the seatback screen is dark.

## Key facts

- **Numbers**:
  - 18 months: accelerated Starlink deployment timeline
  - 677 aircraft: Starlink-equipped aircraft listed on November 5
  - 50%: daily flights with Starlink available
  - 2027 year: stated Starlink fleet completion on the tracker
- **Links**:
  - Offer page: [United Starlink tracker](https://starlinktracker.united.com/program/starlink)
- **Takeaway**: Check United’s Starlink tracker close to departure and bring a charged device and headphones in case the seatback screen is dark.

## Sources cited

- [Live and Let's Fly](https://liveandletsfly.com/united-airlines-seatback-screens-dark-starlink) — Why Your Seatback Screen May Be Dark On Your Next United Airlines Flight

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