If you’ve been using Starlink to stay connected in the cockpit, Starlink just issued an important update that’s worth understanding before your next trip. Here’s the plain-English version of what changed, what your options are, and how to decide whether an Aviation plan makes sense for you.
Starlink says that Roam and Priority plans now have a maximum supported in-motion speed of 100 mph (87 knots), effective March 3, 2026. Starlink also notes that they’ve detected some customers operating at higher speeds, and they’re pointing those customers to new Aviation plan options designed for higher-speed use. So in summary:
- 100 mph (87 knots) maximum supported in-motion speed
- Applies to Roam and Priority plans
- Starlink describes these plans as intended for in-motion use on land or water (driving, boating)
Updated Aviation plan options (April 2026)
Starlink has updated its Aviation plans with more included data, simplified pricing, and new names that better reflect how aircraft operate
General Aviation Local 50GB (formerly Aviation 300MPH)
- $200/month base subscription
- 50GB included each month (up from 20GB)
- Additional data: 50GB for $25
- Coverage: Land, territorial waters, and within 12 nm
General Aviation Global 50GB (formerly Aviation 450MPH)
- $$1,000/month base subscription
- 50GB included each month (up from 20GB)
- Additional data: 50GB for $100
- Coverage: Land and ocean
Identity verification is still required for both plans, including a passport and aircraft details.
What Changed
- 150% more included data (50GB vs. 20GB)
- Lower monthly cost for the 300 mph plan ($200 vs. $250)
- Simpler, block-based overage pricing
- Same performance, coverage, and speed limits as before
For existing customers, Starlink says the transition is automatic with no changes required to hardware or setup.
For most pilots, the big takeaway is simple:
- 100 mph (87 knots) is below the cruise speed of a lot of GA airplanes. If you’re using Starlink in flight on a Roam or Priority plan, this change could matter immediately.
- Starlink is steering true in-flight users toward their Aviation plans. If your goal is consistent connectivity in cruise, Starlink is basically saying, “pick an Aviation plan that matches your typical speeds.”
At the end of the day, your best move comes down to how and where you use Starlink. If you’re mostly connecting on the ground or in slower in-motion situations, staying on Roam or Priority and keeping it under 100 mph is the simplest, most cost-effective path.
If you want reliable connectivity during cruise flight for typical GA speeds, the General Aviation Local 50GB plan is now a much more compelling option than before. With 50GB included and lower monthly pricing, it’s better aligned with real-world pilot usage—especially for weather, messaging, and light browsing.
And if you’re consistently operating at higher cruise speeds or flying over water, the General Aviation Global 50GB plan offers the same performance as before, but with significantly more included data and more predictable overage pricing.
One small note: you may see unfamiliar names like “Local Priority High-Velocity Terminal Access Charge” on your invoice. That’s just Starlink’s billing language for the same General Aviation plans.
