Overview
- Southwest says the first Starlink‑equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, with installations across its Boeing 737 fleet.
- The airline targets more than 300 Starlink aircraft by the end of 2026, a significant portion of a fleet that tops 800 jets.
- Initial retrofits will prioritize planes using older Anuvu systems, and Southwest has not yet decided on adding Starlink to jets already fitted with Viasat.
- Starlink’s low‑Earth‑orbit network of 9,000+ satellites promises high‑speed, low‑latency service suitable for streaming, gaming, real‑time messaging, and work, with reported speeds up to roughly 250 Mbps.
- Wi‑Fi is currently complimentary for Rapid Rewards members, and the airline has not disclosed whether pricing will change on Starlink‑equipped flights as it joins United, Hawaiian, and Alaska in adopting the service; the upgrade also aligns with cabin enhancements like new seats, in‑seat power, larger bins, and an Extra Legroom option.