SpaceX is responding to criticism over its recent Starlink Aviation pricing overhaul. The company has introduced lower prices and significantly more data for small aircraft operators after pilots pushed back on the initial changes.
Starlink’s Original Aviation Changes Spark Backlash
Earlier this year, SpaceX reworked its Starlink plans for general aviation. The update forced pilots off standard Roam plans by adding a 100 mph (160 km/h) in-motion speed cap.
That restriction made most small aircraft incompatible with the cheaper plans during flight. As a result, operators had to move to new aviation-specific tiers. These plans were far more expensive and came with much lower data allowances.
Pilots quickly voiced frustration. Many relied on the older Roam plans, which offered around 100GB of data at a much lower cost. Those plans made in-flight connectivity practical for weather updates, flight planning, and communication.
Lower Prices and More Data in Updated Plans
SpaceX has now revised those aviation tiers. The overall structure remains the same, but the value has improved.
According to an update on the Starlink support website, the General Aviation Local 50GB plan now costs US$200 per month, down from US$250. At the same time, included data has increased from 20GB to 50GB.
The plan still supports in-motion speeds of up to 480 km/h (300 mph). That makes it suitable for most piston aircraft and some turboprops.
Overage pricing has also dropped significantly. Additional data now costs US$25 for 50GB, compared to the previous US$10 per gigabyte.
Global Plan Sees Similar Improvements
For pilots needing wider coverage, the General Aviation Global 50GB plan remains priced at US$1,000 per month. However, it also benefits from increased data, rising from 20GB to 50GB.
This plan supports higher in-motion speeds of up to 720 km/h (450 mph). It also includes both land and ocean coverage.
Like the Local plan, overage costs have dropped sharply. Additional data now costs US$100 for 50GB, compared to the previous US$50 per gigabyte.
A Step Back After Pilot Criticism
These updates mark a clear shift from the early March rollout. The original changes drew widespread criticism as costs increased and usable data dropped, essentially making the service not viable for the average pilot..
The revised plans are still more expensive than the legacy Roam options. However, the higher data caps and lower overage pricing help narrow the gap.
For some pilots, especially those flying long cross-country routes, the new structure could restore Starlink as a useful cockpit tool to support everyday flight operations.
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