Southwest Airlines will switch on high-speed internet access on the first of hundreds of planes this summer as the airline upgrades to Starlink inflight connectivity.
A representative of the airline on Tuesday confirmed that the first of around 300 Boeing 737 jets will be equipped with the satellite-based internet system by the end of June. An executive first shared news of the new connectivity during the International Air Transport Association’s general meeting in Brazil.
Southwest hopes to have 300 planes equipped with Starlink hardware by the end of the year.
Internet access on Southwest flights will be free to members of Southwest’s loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, or can be purchased onboard flights for $8 from takeoff to landing.
Southwest joins Alaska Airlines and its Hawaiian Airlines brand, boutique air carrier JSX and United Airlines offering Starlink connectivity on its planes in the U.S. Most recently, American Airlines announced plans to add the inflight Wi-Fi service to its Airbus jets beginning in 2027.
Southwest is the busiest commercial air carrier serving Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Southwest chief customer and brand officer Tony Roach said the speed at which its planes can be equipped with Starlink will depend on the internet provider’s pace.
The Starlink upgrade comes at a time when Dallas-based Southwest is transitioning through several changes in its operation.
The airline dropped its long-standing open seating policy in favor of assigned seats earlier this year and, at the same time, introduced its first premium-light product: extra-legroom seats. Last year, the airline began charging for checked bags.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has repeatedly said the carrier is considering the addition of intercontinental routes, a network of airport lounges and a U.S. domestic first-class product for its planes.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.
