Southwest Adds Starlink WiFi to Match “Home-Like” Speeds

Southwest announced it will install Starlink in-flight internet across its fleet. The airline said the first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter passenger service this summer, and the goal is to have Starlink available on more than 300 aircraft by the end of 2026. Southwest is pitching this as a step-change in onboard connectivity, not a minor refresh, and it will roll out across its network over time.

Streaming and work-grade Wi-Fi with less “lag”

Southwest says Starlink should feel closer to home internet because it uses low-Earth-orbit satellites, which are closer to the ground than many older satellite systems. That typically means faster speeds and lower “lag.”

Southwest says explicitly customers should be able to stream video, message, browse, and work more reliably “from takeoff to landing,” including on routes where in-flight WiFi can be inconsistent today.

Why Southwest is upgrading now: free member Wi-Fi and a “modern” cabin push

This Starlink move follows Southwest’s shift toward selling a more “modern” onboard experience. In September 2025, the airline announced free in-flight WiFi for Rapid Rewards members through a partnership with T-Mobile, which began rolling out as a member benefit. Separately, Southwest has also been moving to assigned seating and new seat choices, with changes taking effect for flights starting January 27, 2026—a big change for an airline known for open seating.

What to watch next: installation speed, reliability, and how rivals roll out Starlink

The next question is execution: how quickly Southwest can install the equipment and maintain consistent performance across different aircraft and routes. Other airlines show both the momentum and the practical hurdles.

United Airlines has been scaling Starlink and has needed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals by aircraft type as it expands. Alaska Airlines has said it will start bringing Starlink connectivity onto aircraft in 2026, building toward a fleetwide rollout by 2027, alongside Starlink-equipped Hawaiian Airlines aircraft under Alaska Air Group.

A month ago, American Airlines launched high-speed WiFi for all AAdvantage loyalty program members, becoming the US carrier with the largest number of free WiFi-equipped flights.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary says he won’t add Starlink Wi-Fi because the external antenna would create drag and raise fuel costs—an impact he has estimated at up to $250 million a year, which resulted in a public argument between O’Leary and Elon Musk.