CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2026 — A United crew declined an air traffic control routing through a severe thunderstorm, and some of United’s 737-900s are flying with dark seatback screens while Starlink Wi-Fi is installed.
Storm routing
- United Flight 471, a 737-700 from San Antonio to Washington Dulles, was taxiing when the crew refused a routing that would have taken it through a severe thunderstorm.
- The pilots checked with United dispatch, which agreed. ATC gave a new routing that added almost an hour.
- United said the flight “landed safely.” The exact date was not confirmed in the reporting (TBA), and no FAA or NTSB involvement was reported.
Dark screens on five 737-900s
- United is installing Starlink faster than it is refreshing some cabins. On five 737-900s, removing the old DirecTV system has left seatback screens dark.
- With no screens, the safety video can’t be shown, so flight attendants on those aircraft are giving live safety demonstrations.
- When those aircraft get new screens: TBA.
What it means for non-revs
- No effect on pass travel availability. If you end up on one of the affected 737-900s, bring your own device and entertainment; Starlink Wi-Fi is the replacement.
- The storm story is a good reminder that crew and dispatch can and do refuse unsafe routings, which can add significant delay. Leave slack in tight connections during storm season.
Sources
- Simple Flying, “United Airlines Pilots Defy ATC Orders To Fly Through “The Worst Part” Of A Severe Thunderstorm” — https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-pilots-defy-atc-orders-fly-through-worst-part-severe-storm/
- View from the Wing, “American Airlines Adds More First Class Seats To 32 Planes—While Ripping First Class Out Of Others [Roundup]” — https://viewfromthewing.com/american-airlines-adds-more-first-class-seats-to-32-planes-while-ripping-first-class-out-of-others-roundup/
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