Southwest Airlines Partners with Starlink for Faster Inflight Wi-Fi

Southwest Airlines is joining the growing list of travel companies partnering with Starlink to provide next-generation Wi-Fi to travelers.

While Southwest has offered free Wi-Fi to its Rapid Rewards members since September 2025, the transition to Starlink promises faster, more reliable internet service. According to the airline, passengers on Starlink-equipped aircraft will be able to watch live sports, download music, play games, and work without interruption or lag.

The changeover is expected to happen quickly. Southwest said the first Starlink-equipped jet will enter service this summer, and 300 aircraft will feature the technology by the end of 2026.

Starlink is essentially a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites that orbit close to Earth that can provide internet access almost anywhere on earth.

It is quickly becoming the standard for Wi-Fi in the travel industry. In the air, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Hawaiian Airlines all offer Wi-Fi through Starlink. On the water, Royal Caribbean, American Cruise Lines, Windstar, Lindblad, Scenic Group, Cunard, Oceania, Holland America, and others provide Starlink connectivity.