Postseason Baseball Joins United’s Inflight Streaming Options on Starlink-Enabled Planes
United Airlines has added TBS to its onboard DISH streaming lineup, letting passengers on certain Starlink-equipped planes watch most playoff baseball games live. The service is available on more than 200 aircraft, about 900 flights per day, and has drawn over 170,000 hours of live TV viewing since launching last month. United says Starlink is free for MileagePlus members and expects to finish installations in 2027.
United’s new TBS channel brings most playoff baseball into a live-TV bundle supplied by DISH, which already carries major broadcast and sports networks. The feature reaches over 200 planes with Starlink, roughly 900 daily flights, and has generated more than 170,000 hours of live viewing since its recent debut.
The airline says Starlink access is complimentary for MileagePlus members across cabins, with fleet installations targeted for completion in 2027. United also cites higher satisfaction on Starlink planes and is using the service to support live sports events and a loyalty status match for Delta and American members.
This may make long flights more appealing for sports fans and travelers who value reliable connectivity, potentially shifting expectations for inflight Wi-Fi across the industry. Airlines could face pressure to offer free or low-cost streaming, while passengers without loyalty membership may see uneven access. The broader effect could be a more connected cabin experience, though reliance on satellite service and screen availability may determine who benefits most.