Southwest Airlines Teams Up with Starlink for High-Speed Inflight WiFi
Southwest Airlines has recently announced a significant upgrade to its inflight connectivity. The Dallas-based airline is partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s ultra-fast WiFi to its fleet. The integration of this cutting-edge satellite internet technology is set to be swift, with the first Starlink-equipped aircraft slated to enter service this summer. By the end of 2026, more than 300 aircraft are expected to be outfitted with this technology.
This strategic move positions Southwest as the fourth major U.S. airline to adopt Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite technology. It follows in the footsteps of United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. The service will continue to be complimentary for Southwest’s Rapid Rewards loyalty members. It promises to deliver speeds akin to home internet connections, thus enabling high-definition streaming, live gaming, and real-time video calls from takeoff to landing.
“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,” said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Southwest Airlines.
The WiFi upgrade is a key component of Southwest’s larger cabin modernization efforts. These efforts include the introduction of assigned seating, premium seats with extra legroom, in-seat power at every seat, and new RECARO aircraft seats. Southwest currently operates over 800 Boeing 737 aircraft across 118 airports in 11 countries. In 2025 alone, it carried more than 134 million passengers.
Source: Southwest Airlines Brings Starlink Ultra-Fast WiFi Onboard