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Southwest Airlines is preparing to take inflight connectivity to the next level with the rollout of Starlink (the high-speed satellite internet service engineered by SpaceX). Southwest is the latest carrier to sign on for the service and will join United Airlines in rolling it out across its fleet.
Southwest intends to rapidly integrate the technology with the first Starlink-equipped aircraft scheduled to enter service this summer. By the end of 2026, Starlink Wi-Fi is expected to be available on more than 300 Southwest aircraft, which represents a significant milestone in the carrier’s plan to modernize its onboard experience with low-Earth-orbit satellite technology.
Starlink operates through a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites orbiting close to Earth. This enables reliable, high-speed internet access around the world.
This advanced system supports a wide range of inflight connectivity needs, including:
- High-definition streaming entertainment
- Live gaming in the air
- Real-time messaging and communication
- Productivity tools such as file uploads and collaboration
With Starlink, Southwest passengers can expect faster speeds and more consistent service compared with traditional inflight Wi-Fi systems.
Southwest is already the largest US airline offering free Wi-Fi fleetwide to its loyalty members through its partnership with T-Mobile. The introduction of Starlink represents the next evolution of that commitment and brings what the airline calls the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky.
Starlink connectivity is just one piece of Southwest’s broader push to elevate the onboard experience. The airline is also introducing a series of cabin and service enhancements, including:
- More choice and comfort through assigned and premium seating
- Updated cabin interiors featuring new RECARO aircraft seats
- In-seat power at every seat
- Larger overhead bins and seatback device holders
- The launch of an Extra Legroom experience with enhanced snack options
- Improved boarding processes with earlier boarding for Extra Legroom customers, tier members, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers, and Companion Pass holders
Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines, said:
Free Wi-Fi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards Members, and we know our Customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel. Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving Customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing.”
Anthony’s Take: With Starlink coming online across hundreds of aircraft over the next two years, Southwest Airlines is making a huge leap in inflight connectivity. The rollout should be welcome to all passengers and supports the airline’s broader transformation of the passenger experience.
(Image Credits: Southwest Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
