It’s been a rocky stretch for longtime Southwest Airlines® fans.

First, the airline scrapped its open seating. And to add insult to injury, it also eliminated free checked bags.

But now, there’s at least one silver lining.

Southwest® announced it will begin installing ultrafast in-flight Wi-Fi powered by Starlink across its fleet, and the service will be free.

Installations are expected to begin in 2026, with most aircraft slated to receive the upgrade by year’s end. Once its complete, passengers should be able to stream, message, browse and work onboard at significantly faster speeds than traditional in-flight Wi-Fi.

A Different Kind of Upgrade

In-flight internet has historically meant slow speeds and extra fees. Starlink’s satellite technology, though, promises a much faster, more reliable connection—one that can actually handle streaming.

For an airline that just walked away from open seating and trimmed back other longtime perks, this doesn’t feel accidental. If Southwest® is asking customers to adjust to a new normal, free, high-speed Wi-Fi is one way to make that transition a little easier to swallow.

The Trade-Off

Southwest Airlines® still doesn’t offer airport lounges or seat-back screens. But free, fast Wi-Fi definitely improves the onboard experience.

And even with free connectivity, there’s still an opportunity to maximize airfare purchases. Booking with a travel rewards credit card can earn bonus points on flights. A co-branded airline credit card may offer benefits such as priority boarding or free checked bags. A premium travel card could add trip protections or statement credits to further offset costs.

Bottom Line

Southwest’s recent changes have reshaped the airline’s identity. But free Starlink Wi-Fi is definitely a bright spot. If the rollout goes smoothly, staying connected at 35,000 feet may be one benefit travelers won’t have to second-guess.