Southwest Airlines to Offer Starlink Satellite WiFi Across Fleet

The airline plans to equip over 300 aircraft with SpaceX's low-Earth-orbit satellite connectivity system by 2026.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Southwest Airlines has announced plans to equip its entire fleet with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet system, providing high-speed, low-latency WiFi for passengers. The first Starlink-equipped Southwest planes will enter service this summer, with the full fleet upgrade scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Why it matters

This move by Southwest represents a broader industry shift toward adopting low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications systems, which offer improved performance and coverage compared to traditional geostationary satellite networks. The Starlink system's lower latency and higher bandwidth will enable Southwest passengers to stream video, work remotely, and stay connected throughout their flights.

The details

Starlink operates a constellation of over 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, significantly closer than traditional geostationary satellites. This reduces latency and enables higher data throughput. The system uses electronically steered, phased-array antennas mounted on the aircraft fuselage to track and connect to the fast-moving LEO satellites. The Starlink network supports high-definition video, real-time messaging, and cloud-based applications.

  • Southwest plans to have the first Starlink-equipped aircraft enter service this summer.
  • The airline aims to have over 300 aircraft outfitted with Starlink by the end of 2026.

The players

Southwest Airlines Co.

A major U.S. airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

SpaceX

An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk.

Starlink

SpaceX's low-Earth-orbit satellite internet network.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines (militaryaerospace.com)

What’s next

Southwest plans to have the first Starlink-equipped aircraft enter service this summer, with the full fleet upgrade scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

Southwest's adoption of Starlink's low-Earth-orbit satellite internet system represents a significant industry shift toward higher-performance, lower-latency connectivity solutions for commercial aviation. This will enable Southwest passengers to enjoy a seamless, at-home internet experience throughout their flights.