Consider watching your favorite show, working on your email, or surfing the Internet from the air at thousands of feet. This is now becoming possible through the use of Starlink.
Years of frustration with sluggish in-flight internet speeds are over as satellites enable better internet on planes. The connection could be lost, videos could buffer endlessly, and even websites would take time to load.
SpaceX’s Starlink is an internet provision system that uses satellites in low-Earth orbit. The Starlink service is being used by several airlines, while other airlines are getting ready to adopt it.
So, which airlines have Starlink WiFi in 2026? Will it be free, and will you have access to it on your next flight?
In this guide, ASAPTrips provides details about the airlines with Starlink WiFi, their latest expansion plans, and how to know if your flight is equipped with this technology.
Review Date: October 14, 2026. Internet access at airports and aboard flights may vary, please contact your airline prior to boarding for up-to-date information.
What Is Starlink WiFi on Flights?
Starlink refers to an internet service delivered through satellites operated by the SpaceX company. As opposed to many conventional satellite internet providers, Starlink works through the use of satellites in a low orbit close to the Earth surface.
This is due to the fact that being relatively closer to Earth reduces latency. Consequently, Starlink provides faster connection suitable for various operations.
According to the type of aircraft and available conditions, the passenger could:
- Watch movies and television series.
- Surf the web and access emails.
- Send text messages and share files.
- Use their cloud computing work tools.
- Take part in interactive web activity requiring a fast connection.
But speed may differ. Passengers’ quantity online, airplane equipment, and airline’s policy on Internet connection can influence the speed.
For the passengers, the most important advantage is that faster Internet access allows one to use time on board efficiently.
Which Airlines Have Starlink WiFi in 2026?
List of Airlines that Offer Starlink WiFi continues to expand from North America to Europe, Asia, and even the Middle East. Some companies are outfitting their entire fleets while others just need to install the required equipment.
These are some of the airlines that should interest you, especially if you will be coming from the USA.
1. United Airlines
United Airlines is one of the largest US airlines that have invested in the Starlink services. The airline started implementing the service from 2025 to date.
The number of United’s aircraft that have Starlink connectivity was estimated to be around 560 by September 2026, and more installations will follow.
United provides MileagePlus customers free access to Starlink when traveling on their network of aircrafts that have been upgraded. Joining this program is completely free of charge.
Travel tip: Verify your flight information and information about United’s WiFi prior to traveling. Having a United flight ticket does not automatically provide you access to Starlink WiFi.
2. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines
These two airline companies, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, play a pivotal role in the deployment of Starlink owing to the operation they conduct in unison.
Hawaiian Airlines was among the first commercial airlines to launch the Starlink program. Its fleet including Airbus A321neo and A330 has received this service but not their interisland planes.
Starlink has been spreading to Alaska’s regional and mainline planes. The regional planes have been playing an important role in the process of deployment, while the mainline deployment is being planned.
Free of charge access is provided to eligible flights through Atmos Rewards Program of the airlines. Nevertheless, it would be useful to find out about the regulations and eligible flights before travel.
If your destination is Hawaii or the US West Coast then these airlines will be good to consider during comparison of amenities offered onboard.
3. Southwest Airlines
Southwest was the first low-cost carrier to offer flights with Starlink connectivity from June 2026. The deployment continues on its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.
The service will be helpful for activities like streaming, browsing, chatting, and working on the internet. Southwest Airlines has announced its plans to install its WiFi service on over 300 planes by 2026.
Starlink Internet service is available to Rapid Rewards members on eligible flights. Because installation is still in progress, all Southwest flights do not have it.
To determine availability, go to your trip inside the Southwest app, and check if the label “WiFi Powered by Starlink” is there.
4. JSX
JSX is a public charter airline operating on certain routes in the United States. JSX has fitted its Embrair E135 and E145 as well as the ATR 600 fleet.
Unlike airlines that are yet to install the system, JSX has announced fleet-wide Starlink coverage in all these aircraft types.
No loyalty program is needed to enjoy free WiFi on this carrier’s flights. This makes JSX a good choice for passengers looking for free internet connectivity on short regional flights.
Nevertheless, do make the comparison between availability of routes, prices, and departure airports to see whether JSX is right for you.
5. WestJet
The Canadian airline WestJet has equipped more than 100 narrow-body planes, including Boeing 737s, with Starlink, and it is planned to add this internet system to its wide body aircraft too. Passengers traveling from the USA to Canada can enjoy Starlink services when traveling on eligible routes.
Other International Airlines Offering Starlink
Starlink is not limiting itself to the United States only. Below are some foreign airlines that one could find in 2026.
| Airline | Current Rollout Overview |
| Qatar Airways | Starlink is available in large wide-body airplanes such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A350. |
| British Airways | Begun passenger service using Starlink as from March 2026, and its aircraft are being upgraded progressively. |
| Iberia | Began offering its first fleet of Starlink-enabled planes in 2026 |
| Emirates | Has launched Starlink in select aircraft and continues fleet expansion |
| Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) | Starlink is now in operation on their Airbus A320neo aircraft, with more plans to come. |
| ZIPAIR Tokyo | Starlink is offered via all Boeing 787 planes. |
| Lufthansa | Starlink deployment began in August 2026, using the Airbus A320 family of airplanes. |
| Virgin Atlantic | Started its implementation in 2026 with installations spreading out in its fleet. |
They allow U.S. citizens to enjoy Starlink on their international flights. However, the planes used in that particular flight are still significant.
Airlines Getting Starlink: What’s Coming Next?
Several airlines planning to use Starlink are aiming for increased coverage. Below are some developments to note.
American Airlines: Intends to install the system across its mainline fleet starting in 2027.
Virgin Atlantic: Expanding the installation process across more aircraft, with full fleet installations expected by 2027.
British Airways: Continuing its phased approach toward installation.
Singapore Airlines: Selected Starlink for an installation beginning in 2027.
Lufthansa Group carriers: Intending to expand the use of the technology across the various airlines of the Lufthansa Group, which includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
This is evident in the examples above. Nonetheless, installation schedules can change depending on whether the aircraft can be equipped with the right hardware and gain certification.
For this reason, airlines which plan to use the Starlink service must not necessarily be regarded as airlines providing it.
Is Starlink WiFi Free on Flights?
Indeed, in many instances. A few airlines provide free Starlink WiFi on flights, but the conditions vary.
Make sure you know this before taking off:
- United Airlines: Free access for MileagePlus members on equipped aircraft.
- Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines: Complimentary access is available under applicable Atmos Rewards conditions.
- Southwest Airlines: Access is offered to Rapid Rewards members on eligible flights.
- JSX: Complimentary access without a loyalty membership.
- Qatar Airways and British Airways: Offer complimentary Starlink access on equipped flights, subject to their published policies.
Eligibility criteria for some airline programs can evolve as the programs grow in scope. Some airlines insist on having a loyalty program membership that is free, while others do not.
Remember, too, that having free Wi-Fi on board does not automatically mean Starlink. Airlines can work with other internet providers, so look at the details, not just the name “Wi-Fi.”
How to Check If Your Flight Has Starlink
Want to know if Starlink will be on board your next flight? Use the steps below.
- Open the airline’s app. Check for WiFi information in your booking or trip information.
- Search for aircraft information. Verify the aircraft used and whether Starlink is installed.
- Go to the airline’s website. Get information on the current rollout status and onboard internet access policy.
- Double check before boarding. An aircraft might change, hence affecting the availability of WiFi.
- Check the access regulations. See if you need an airline loyalty account or other requirements.
For instance, Southwest instructs customers to search for “WiFi Powered by Starlink” on their app. United Airlines gives information regarding the presence of Starlink in certain aircraft.
Above all, it is crucial to understand that the partnership of any airline company with Starlink does not ensure services in every airplane.
Starlink vs. Traditional Airplane WiFi
WiFi in traditional aircraft usually employs either geostationary satellites or ground-based networks. However, Starlink’s WiFi relies on low-Earth-orbit satellites that could offer low-latency Internet service.
| Feature | Starlink | Traditional in-flight WiFi |
| Technology | Low-Earth-orbit satellites | Often geostationary satellites or ground-based systems |
| Latency | Generally lower | Can be higher |
| Streaming | Supported on compatible aircraft | Depends on provider and plan |
| Online work | Can support many cloud-based tools | Performance varies |
| Availability | Depends on aircraft installation | Depends on aircraft and provider |
Starlink on airplanes would create a more comfortable experience, but it does not assure smooth connectivity. Factors such as network requirements, devices, and airline regulations remain essential.
What Does Starlink Mean for Travelers?
The development of the Starlink system could make flights more productive and pleasant for passengers. The business class passenger could do their work on the plane, while recreational passengers can watch movies, chat, and organize their flight itinerary.
For travelers making reservations for 2026, it is necessary to differentiate between existing in-flight availability and future installation plans. The fact that a particular airline is going to install Starlink doesn’t mean that Starlink is available on all flights now.
With the increased number of airlines having Starlink WiFi increasing in size, connectivity is likely to be a determining factor for many customers.
Stay Connected at 35,000 Feet With Starlink Wi-Fi
Starlink is revolutionizing the expectation of internet access while flying. In addition to US-based carriers like United and Southwest Airlines, many airlines around the world including Qatar Airways and British Airways are moving towards satellite internet.
However, the most effective way of planning ahead is to verify whether the WiFi on your own particular airplane is free of charge and the membership conditions beforehand.
Here at ASAPTrips, we aim at helping our customers make well-informed choices about their travel options.
Thinking about a holiday escape soon? Research destinations and compare travel possibilities to plan your next vacation with ASAPTrips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US airlines have Starlink WiFi in 2026?
Some of the US-based airlines that offer Starlink services via installed aircraft include United, Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest, and JSX. According to American Airlines, the installation will begin in 2027.
Is it possible to stream movies with Starlink in-flight WiFi?
Yes, the flights that are supported can stream videos. The performance is dependent on various factors.
Do all airlines that have Starlink provide free WiFi?
Not really. Many of them provide free WiFi, but some may ask you to become a member of their loyalty program.
Will there be additional adoption of Starlink in 2027 by other airlines?
Yes. This includes American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, among others. The adoption dates for each airline may differ.
Is it necessary to download an app to use Starlink WiFi during my flight?
No, usually, it is not necessary to have a separate Starlink app for connecting to the Starlink WiFi during flights. Normally, passengers connect to the airplane’s WiFi through their mobile phones, tablets, or laptops, as per the instructions on the screen. In some cases, passengers have to log in with their frequent-flyer account to enjoy free internet access.
Is Starlink WiFi usable on international flights?
Yes. There are some international airlines like Qatar Airways, British Airways, Air France, and ZIPAIR which are incorporating Starlink into their flights. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the availability of Starlink might depend on the specific airline, the airplane, and the flight route. If you fly from the USA to Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, then do verify.
Which US airlines are getting Starlink WiFi next?
Starlink will start being installed in American Airlines’ mainline aircraft starting 2027. There are also expansions being made by other airline companies like Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. In the coming years, there will be more US airlines with Starlink WiFi, though not all aircraft within each airline will have it at once.
Can I use Starlink WiFi for video calls and remote work during a flight?
With Starlink’s low-latency internet service, you can perform a variety of work-related tasks such as emailing, cloud applications, sending messages, and even video calls. The speed may depend on the situation and airline company policy. You should find out whether your airline allows voice or video calls.
How can I find airlines offering Starlink WiFi before booking a flight?
Check out the in-flight connectivity information provided on the airline’s official website. Alternatively, you may also check your booking details or get in touch with the airline’s customer support to inquire about specific aircraft. However, not all flights operated by airlines which offer Starlink connectivity may have the service installed.
