SOUTHWEST AIRLINES BRINGS STARLINK ULTRA-FAST WIFI ONBOARD

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) will deploy Starlink high-speed, low-Earth-orbit WiFi across its network beginning summer 2026. The airline says the first Starlink-equipped aircraft enters service this summer and that more than 300 aircraft will have Starlink by the end of 2026.

Southwest says Starlink enables HD streaming, live gaming, real-time messaging, and large-file uploads, and the airline continues to offer free WiFi access to Rapid Rewards members where available.

Positive

• First Starlink-equipped Southwest aircraft entering service in summer 2026
• More than 300 aircraft to have Starlink by end of 2026
• High-speed LEO connectivity enabling HD streaming and large-file uploads
• Free WiFi access offered fleetwide to Rapid Rewards members where available

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Countries served: 11 countries Starlink aircraft target: more than 300 aircraft Starlink satellites: more than 9,000 satellites +5 more

8 metrics

Countries served 11 countries Southwest network coverage mentioned in WiFi announcement

Starlink aircraft target more than 300 aircraft Expected Starlink-equipped Southwest aircraft by end of 2026

Starlink satellites more than 9,000 satellites Size of Starlink low-Earth-orbit constellation

Airports served 118 airports Southwest network size described in company overview

Countries operated 11 countries Southwest operations footprint in company overview

Employee count more than 72,000 people Fulltime-equivalent active employees as of Dec. 31, 2025

Customers carried more than 134 million customers Customers carried in 2025 cited in overview

Extra legroom up to five additional inches Extra Legroom experience seat pitch compared to other seats

Market Reality Check

Price: $51.43 Vol: Volume 10,547,111 is clos...

normal vol

$51.43 Last Close

Volume Volume 10,547,111 is close to the 20-day average of 10,973,588, suggesting no unusual trading surge. normal

Technical Price at $51.43 is above the 200-day MA of $34.87 and about 5.97% below the 52-week high of $54.698, well off the 52-week low of $23.815.

Peers on Argus

LUV is up about 1.33% while key airline peers are down sharply (e.g., AAL -5.4%,...

LUV is up about 1.33% while key airline peers are down sharply (e.g., AAL -5.4%, DAL -4.89%, UAL -3.03%, ALK -3.15%, SKYW -1.55%), indicating a stock-specific upside move versus broader sector weakness.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 05 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 05	Dividend declaration	Positive	-0.1%	Declared 188th quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share.
Jan 28	Earnings results	Positive	-1.2%	Reported 2025 profit and guided 2026 adjusted EPS of at least $4.00.
Jan 28	Earnings call setup	Neutral	-1.2%	Announced webcast to discuss Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results.
Jan 23	Earnings call setup	Neutral	-1.1%	Scheduled live audio webcast for Q4 and 2025 results discussion.
Jan 15	Peer earnings notice	Neutral	+1.3%	Galaxy Digital scheduled webcast to review its Q4 and 2025 results.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive corporate and capital-return news has often been met with flat-to-negative next-day price reactions.

Recent Company History

This announcement fits into Southwest’s broader effort to enhance its product and customer proposition, following financial and capital-allocation updates. Recent news included a $0.18 per-share quarterly dividend declared on Feb 5, 2026 and full-year 2025 results showing $441M net income and at least $4.00 guided 2026 adjusted EPS. Despite these positives, shares saw modest declines after the dividend and earnings releases. Today’s Starlink WiFi deal adds another customer-experience upgrade alongside previously disclosed cabin and product changes.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Southwest’s push to upgrade its cabin experience by adding Starlink’s h...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Southwest’s push to upgrade its cabin experience by adding Starlink’s high-speed, low-Earth-orbit WiFi across more than 300 aircraft by the end of 2026. It complements recent moves like assigned and extra-legroom seating and follows financial updates featuring 2025 profitability and 2026 EPS guidance. Investors may watch adoption timelines, customer satisfaction metrics, and how these enhancements support the broader business transformation outlined in recent filings and earnings releases.

Key Terms

low-earth-orbit, satellite constellation

2 terms

low-earth-orbit technical

"high-speed, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology."

Low-Earth orbit (LEO) is the band of space closest to Earth where most communication, imaging and internet satellites operate, roughly up to about 2,000 kilometers above the surface. For investors, LEO matters because it’s the “real estate” where satellite and launch companies build products that enable faster connections, Earth observation and global services; proximity gives performance advantages but also creates competition, regulatory and operational risks that affect costs and returns.

satellite constellation technical

"Starlink is a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites that orbit close to Earth"

A satellite constellation is a coordinated group of satellites working together in complementary orbits to provide continuous coverage or services over large areas, like a fleet of delivery trucks positioned to serve an entire city. For investors it matters because constellations enable scalable, ongoing revenue from services such as communications, navigation, or Earth observation, while also requiring large upfront capital, regulatory approvals and operational expertise that affect risk, growth potential and competitive advantage.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

The fastest WiFi in the sky takes off on Southwest this summer¹

DALLAS, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is taking inflight connectivity to new heights with Starlink. Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink will deliver next-generation WiFi across Southwest's network of 11 countries, allowing Customers to stream, share, and scroll in the sky at lightning-fast speeds.

"Free WiFi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards Members, and we know our Customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel," said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. "Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving Customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing."

The Countdown Begins
Southwest^® plans to rapidly integrate Starlink into its fleet. The first Starlink-equipped aircraft enters service this summer, and it will be available on more than 300 aircraft by the end of 2026. This is a major step in the carrier's plan to upgrade all its aircraft with high-speed, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology.

New Connections
Starlink is a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites that orbit close to Earth, delivering reliable, high-speed internet access across the world. This technology supports inflight entertainment with high-definition streaming and live gaming, connection with real-time messaging, and productivity with the ability to collaborate and upload large files in seconds.¹

"We're thrilled to deliver a connectivity experience to Southwest Airlines and its Customers that really is similar, if not better, than what you can experience in your own home. Starlink is the future of connected travel, making every journey faster, smoother, and infinitely more enjoyable," said Jason Fritch, Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales at SpaceX.

Leveling Up the Cabin Experience 
Southwest is the largest US airline to offer access to free WiFi fleetwide to its loyalty members, thanks to T-Mobile^®2. Launching Starlink's fastest WiFi in the sky is just one of many ways the airline is doing more to elevate the cabin experience, including:

• Offering more choice and comfort with assigned and premium seating.
• Updating the cabin design with new aircraft seats made by RECARO.
• Installing in-seat power at every seat, larger overhead bins, and seatbacks with a personal electronic device holder.
• Launching the Extra Legroom experience³ with enhanced snack options⁴.
• Optimizing the boarding process and offering earlier boarding to Customers sitting in Extra Legroom seats, tier members, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers, and Companion Pass^® holders.⁵

Want even more from Southwest?
Join Rapid Rewards to unlock free WiFi, tier benefits, and points by flying or spending with eligible partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply at Southwest.com/rrterms. 

ABOUT STARLINK 
Starlink is the world's most advanced satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, delivering reliable broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX. As the world's leading provider of launch services, and the only provider with an orbital class reusable rocket – SpaceX has deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations. Learn more at www.starlink.com and follow @Starlink on X.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 118 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline.⁶ By empowering its more than 72,000⁷ People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1 Based on independent Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data from Q1 2025.

2 Where available. Available on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft.

3 Up to five additional inches of extra legroom compared to Standard and Preferred seats. Seat pitch will vary by aircraft type.

4 Excluding Hawaii interisland flights, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are served on select flights 251 miles or more. Extra legroom customers receive complimentary premium drinks on select flights 251 miles or more and complimentary premium snacks on select flights 301 miles or more. Service may also be limited at the discretion of Southwest Airlines®. Alcohol purchased onboard must be consumed onboard. You must be 21 years or older to drink alcoholic beverages.

5 Boarding group is based on the seat type and location in the cabin. The seats included in the fare bundle are based on availability. Our Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members will board in Groups 1 or 2, and our A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will board no later than Group 5.

6 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025

7 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of Dec. 31, 2025

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-brings-starlink-ultra-fast-wifi-onboard-302685446.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

When will Southwest (LUV) begin operating aircraft with Starlink WiFi?

Southwest says the first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service in summer 2026. According to the company, the carrier plans a rapid installation program to expand Starlink availability across its network through the rest of 2026.

How many Southwest (LUV) planes will have Starlink by the end of 2026?

According to the company, more than 300 Southwest aircraft will have Starlink by the end of 2026. This rollout aims to cover a large portion of the fleet to deliver high-speed inflight connectivity to Customers.

What capabilities does Starlink provide on Southwest (LUV) flights?

Starlink will enable HD streaming, live gaming, real-time messaging, and fast file uploads onboard. According to the company, the LEO satellite system delivers speeds and reliability designed to match at-home internet experiences in the air.

Will Southwest Rapid Rewards members get free WiFi with Starlink on LUV flights?

Southwest offers free WiFi access to Rapid Rewards members where available, and Starlink is being added to support that experience. According to the company, members retain free access on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft.

How does Starlink on Southwest (LUV) compare to existing inflight WiFi?

Starlink uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver faster, lower-latency connections than many traditional systems. According to the company, the technology supports high-definition streaming and interactive online activities that older satellite systems often struggle to handle.