I know a lot of people are pissed about the recent changes at Southwest (But let's be honest, they're just like every other airline now) but this should make some folks happy.

Southwest is joining Alaska and United in offering free Starlink internet for Rapid Rewards members onboard. The first aircraft should have the product by this summer with more than 300 airplanes outfitted by the end of 2026.

They haven't given an exact timeline but I'd expect it to be fully introduced by the end of 2027.

LINK

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Posted by Roy Curado

Member since Jul 2021

1483 posts

Posted on 2/12/26 at 3:55 pm to H2O Tiger

dang, they just announced their free wi-fi partnership with T-Mobile.

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Posted by Lsut81

Member since Jun 2005

84170 posts

Posted on 2/12/26 at 3:59 pm to Roy Curado

quote:
dang, they just announced their free wi-fi partnership with T-Mobile.

Isn't T-Mobile affiliated with Starlink? Thought they were the only cell carrier that could connect directly to Starlink for cell service or some jazz like that.

Either way, SW is throwing everything at the wall. Going to be interesting to see how their Q1 numbers come in now that seat assignments are in place.

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Posted by Roy Curado

Member since Jul 2021

1483 posts

Posted on 2/12/26 at 5:34 pm to Lsut81

Flying with them for the first time since all the changes tomorrow. Ill report back my experience when I get back on my trip.

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Posted by grsharky

Member since Dec 2019

287 posts

Posted on 2/15/26 at 7:33 am to Roy Curado

My wife, daughter, and mom flew from BWI to LA and back this past week on Southwest, no complaints. This is the first time since they made their changes, actually I think having the guaranteed seats was good for them since my mom is older and daughter is 4. No chance of being separated or having to haggle with anyone.

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Posted by Lsut81

Member since Jun 2005

84170 posts

Posted on 2/15/26 at 7:36 am to grsharky

I've read there are tons of complaints leading to SW having to change the boarding process bc those in preferred seating sections are boarding with 0 overhead space over their seats.

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Posted by HoustonGumbeauxGuy

Member since Jul 2011

33054 posts

Posted on 2/15/26 at 11:22 am to H2O Tiger

I flew with him for the first time in several years and was pleasantly surprised at their TV/movie/channel selection, I found it much better than what United offers (for domestic flights).

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Posted by Teddy Ruxpin

Member since Oct 2006

40677 posts

Posted on 2/15/26 at 1:45 pm to grsharky

quote:
guaranteed seats was good for them since my mom is older and daughter is 4. No chance of being separated or having to haggle with anyone.

Almost zero chance of separation under old policy with families with young kids boarding between Groups A and B basically anywhere short of flying to Orlando or 30A.

Which makes me think being based in Orlando traveling for work has to be brutal

This post was edited on 2/15/26 at 1:47 pm

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Posted by Lsut81

Member since Jun 2005

84170 posts

Posted on 2/16/26 at 6:00 am to Teddy Ruxpin

quote:
Which makes me think being based in Orlando traveling for work has to be brutal

I used to go into Orlando 6-8 times a year for work and that was when I was flying SW regularly. You talk about a miserable experience

Even when I switched over to United, it was still a cluster, but not near as bad.

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Posted by Novastar

Member since Jan 2023

728 posts

Posted on 2/16/26 at 5:19 pm to Lsut81

quote:
I used to go into Orlando 6-8 times a year for work

I go to Orlando a minimum of +12 times a year for work. My deal is one week per month. SW is convenient, but a horrible experience. I've been flying Delta for quite some time now.

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