Southwest Airlines is upgrading its Boeing 737 fleet with Starlink satellite internet by late 2027, aiming for high-speed, low-latency connectivity across all flights.
As airlines move toward satellite-based inflight networks, the technical challenges remain focused on integration across aging hardware, while passenger power infrastructure, such as standard outlets, remains a notable limitation.
Why was Starlink chosen?
The Starlink system uses a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. This technology allows passengers to have a faster internet connection during the flight, with much less latency than the systems used to date.
The attitude of other airlines
The move follows similar strategies by other major U.S. airlines. United Airlines has planned to install the technology by the end of 2027, although its plan does not include all of its smaller aircraft. Similarly, American Airlines has announced that it will integrate the Starlink system into its fleet.
An issue that remains
Despite the improvement in internet quality, Southwest acknowledges that one practical issue remains for those working in-flight: the lack of power outlets in passenger seats. Aside from USB ports, which are useful primarily for cell phones, seats lack power outlets for laptops. This means that while the internet connection will be improved, passengers who need laptops will still be limited by the battery life of their devices.
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