Southwest Airlines to get Starlink wi-fi

Southwest Airlines Co. is taking inflight connectivity to new heights with Starlink. 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

Want even more from Southwest?

Join Rapid Rewards to unlock free WiFi, tier benefits, and points by flying or spending with eligible partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply at Southwest.com/rrterms.

Starlink is the world's most advanced satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, delivering reliable broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX. As the world's leading provider of launch services, and the only provider with an orbital class reusable rocket – SpaceX has deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations. Learn more at www.starlink.com and follow @Starlink on X.