Starlink’s Aviation Plan Price Hike to $250/Month Sparks Outrage
General aviation pilots are expressing frustration after Starlink implemented major pricing changes in early March 2026. The changes impose a 100 mph speed cap on standard Roam and Priority plans, forcing pilots into expensive aviation-specific tiers.
Under the new structure, Starlink’s standard plans are now capped at 100 mph (87 knots) ground speed. This speed limit renders the plans effectively unusable for most general aviation aircraft in flight. Pilots requiring in-flight connectivity must now upgrade to one of the following options:
- Aviation 300MPH at $250 per month with only 20GB of data
- Aviation 450MPH at $1,000 per month
Previously, many pilots used $50-65/month Roam plans with significantly more data allowances.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has raised concerns with the company. Senior vice president Jim Coon stated, “a large number of general aviation operators across the globe have used Starlink as a safety-enhancing tool, and it is unfortunate that the company has now priced out the lion’s share of general aviation pilots.”
A Change.org petition protesting the changes has garnered over 4,000 signatures. The signatories are pilots who had invested in Starlink Mini hardware ($250) and mounting equipment. They view the service as essential for real-time weather data and enhanced situational awareness during flight.
Source: AOPA News