Southwest Airlines is taking its customer experience to new heights by introducing Starlink Wi-Fi on its flights. The airline recently announced that it will be installing SpaceX’s Starlink across its entire fleet, providing passengers with next-generation, low-Earth orbit satellite internet connectivity. The first Starlink-equipped Southwest aircraft is set to debut this summer, with plans to outfit over 300 carriers by the end of 2026.
One of the most exciting aspects of this new offering is that Starlink-powered Wi-Fi will be free for Southwest loyalty members. This move is in line with Southwest’s commitment to providing seamless connectivity and a superior travel experience for its customers. Tony Roach, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Starlink will deliver an at-home experience in the air, allowing passengers to stream their favorite shows, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and stay connected with loved ones throughout their journey.
Starlink, with over 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, promises faster speeds and lower latency compared to traditional satellite systems. This means that passengers can enjoy real-time messaging, high-definition streaming, live gaming, and even large file uploads while flying at 35,000 feet. Jason Fritch, Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales at SpaceX, emphasized that Starlink is the future of connected travel, making every journey faster, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Southwest Airlines now joins United Airlines as one of the two largest U.S. carriers to adopt Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide. United Airlines launched its first Starlink-equipped aircraft last year and even ran a Super Bowl ad highlighting its free Starlink Wi-Fi. Other airlines, such as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines in the U.S. and international carriers like Emirates, flydubai, and British Airways, have also embraced the service.
Notably, airlines partnering with Starlink are expected to keep the service free for passengers, giving them a competitive edge in the industry. As more airlines incorporate Starlink into their offerings, the race for the best in-flight Wi-Fi experience is heating up. With Southwest Airlines rolling out Starlink to hundreds of aircraft over the next two years, passengers can look forward to an enhanced connectivity experience during their travels.