Southwest Airlines is taking inflight connectivity to new heights with Starlink, to bring the fastest WiFi in the sky this summer.1
Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink will deliver next-generation WiFi across Southwest's network of 11 countries, allowing Customers to stream, share, and scroll in the sky at lightning-fast speeds.
"Free WiFi 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," said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. "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."
The Countdown Begins
Southwest® plans to rapidly integrate Starlink into its fleet. The first Starlink-equipped aircraft enters service this summer, and it will be available on more than 300 aircraft by the end of 2026. This is a major step in the carrier's plan to upgrade all its aircraft with high-speed, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology.
New Connections
Starlink is a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites that orbit close to Earth, delivering reliable, high-speed internet access across the world. This technology supports inflight entertainment with high-definition streaming and live gaming, connection with real-time messaging, and productivity with the ability to collaborate and upload large files in seconds.1
"We're thrilled to deliver a connectivity experience to Southwest Airlines and its Customers that really is similar, if not better, than what you can experience in your own home. Starlink is the future of connected travel, making every journey faster, smoother, and infinitely more enjoyable," said Jason Fritch, Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales at SpaceX.
Leveling Up the Cabin Experience
Southwest is the largest US airline to offer access to free WiFi fleetwide to its loyalty members, thanks to T-Mobile®2. Launching Starlink's fastest WiFi in the sky is just one of many ways the airline is doing more to elevate the cabin experience, including:
- Offering more choice and comfort with assigned and premium seating.
- Updating the cabin design with new aircraft seats made by RECARO.
- Installing in-seat power at every seat, larger overhead bins, and seatbacks with a personal electronic device holder.
- Launching the Extra Legroom experience3 with enhanced snack options4.
- Optimizing the boarding process and offering earlier boarding to Customers sitting in Extra Legroom seats, tier members,
- Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers, and Companion Pass® holders.5
Notes:
- Based on independent Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data from Q1 2025.
- Where available. Available on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft.
- Up to five additional inches of extra legroom compared to Standard and Preferred seats. Seat pitch will vary by aircraft type.
- Excluding Hawaii interisland flights, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are served on select flights 251 miles or more. Extra legroom customers receive complimentary premium drinks on select flights 251 miles or more and complimentary premium snacks on select flights 301 miles or more. Service may also be limited at the discretion of Southwest Airlines®. Alcohol purchased onboard must be consumed onboard. You must be 21 years or older to drink alcoholic beverages.
- Boarding group is based on the seat type and location in the cabin. The seats included in the fare bundle are based on availability. Our Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members will board in Groups 1 or 2, and our A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will board no later than Group 5.
