Southwest Airlines has officially confirmed the debut of a new and improved in-flight Wi-Fi system starting this summer, responding to years of passenger requests.
According to TravelPulse, the ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi will be installed on hundreds of Southwest aircraft by the end of 2026, offering faster and more accessible internet services to travelers in the coming months.
“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,” said Tony Roach, Southwest’s chief customer and brand officer.
Currently, Southwest offers free Wi-Fi only to active Rapid Rewards members after boarding. Starting this summer, the airline will transition to Starlink, ensuring a more reliable and speedy service on over 300 aircraft.
“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,” Roach said.
The change comes as Southwest introduces other enhancements like larger overhead bin space and power outlets at every seat. However, not all changes have been popular; the airline recently ended its open-seating policy and free checked bags policy.