Starlink Update: New In-Motion Speed Limits (and What It Means for Pilots)

Roam and Priority plans now have a maximum supported in-motion speed of 100 mph (87 knots).

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)

New higher-speed Aviation plan options

Starlink has also introduced two plans designed specifically for aviation speeds. Identity verification is required, including submission of a valid passport and aircraft tail number:

Aviation 300MPH

• $250/month base subscription
• 20GB included each month
• In-motion supported up to 300 mph (260 knots)
• Overage data: $10/GB

Aviation 450MPH

• $1,000/month base subscription
• 20GB included each month
• In-motion supported up to 450 mph (391 knots)
• Overage data: $50/GB

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.
• On the ground, you’re probably fine. Taxi speeds, ramp operations, and most “mobile but slow” use are well under 100 mph.
• 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 Aviation 300MPH plan is the most practical fit. Just keep an eye on data usage since 20GB can go fast with streaming, but stretches a lot further for weather, messaging, and light browsing. And if you’re consistently operating at higher cruise speeds and truly need airborne connectivity, Starlink’s Aviation 450MPH plan is built for that mission, with pricing and overage costs to match.

Explore the 300/450mph plans here.

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Jeremy Hilbert

Jeremy's interest in aviation was ignited as a kid when he observed his grandpa working on balsa wood airplane kit parts with his laser in his basement. If there is one thing that smells better than jet fuel, it’s the freshly cut balsa wood from the laser. Not long after, he was gifted Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 for Christmas and his parents had to regularly pry him from the computer. Jeremy is an instrument- rated Private Pilot and enjoys all types of flying, but mission-oriented flying is his favorite. After spending countless challenging hours learning to fly and working to master his craft, it is rewarding to see it all come together to accomplish a mission.

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• Starlink Update: New In-Motion Speed Limits (and What It Means for Pilots) - March 3, 2026