Overview
- Southwest says its first Starlink‑equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, with more than 300 planes outfitted by the end of 2026.
- The carrier will prioritize installations on aircraft currently using older Anuvu systems and has not decided whether to replace newer Viasat equipment.
- Starlink, engineered by SpaceX, uses a low‑Earth‑orbit network of more than 9,000 satellites to deliver high‑speed, low‑latency internet suitable for HD streaming, gaming and video calls.
- Wi‑Fi access on Starlink‑equipped Southwest flights will remain complimentary for flyers with a Rapid Rewards loyalty account.
- Southwest becomes the fourth U.S. airline adopting Starlink, following deployments at United, Hawaiian and Alaska.