Southwest Airlines Introduces Starlink High-Speed WiFi
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
0mins
Should l Buy LUV?
Source: PRnewswire
- Inflight Connectivity Upgrade: Southwest Airlines partners with SpaceX to deploy Starlink on over 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, enabling high-speed WiFi that allows customers to stream videos and communicate in real-time during flights, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Significant Technological Advantage: The Starlink satellite network consists of over 9,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, capable of supporting HD streaming and online gaming, greatly improving the inflight entertainment experience and likely attracting more customers to choose Southwest, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: As the largest U.S. airline offering free WiFi fleetwide, Southwest's integration of Starlink, supported by T-Mobile, will further elevate the flying experience, meeting customer expectations for seamless connectivity and promoting increased customer loyalty.
- Strategic Investment Outlook: This technological integration not only upgrades existing services but also reflects Southwest's commitment to the future of air travel, with expectations to attract more passengers through improved service, driving long-term growth for the company.
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Analyst Views on LUV
Wall Street analysts forecast LUV stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for LUV is 44.21 USD with a low forecast of 34.00 USD and a high forecast of 60.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
14 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 54.070
Low
34.00
Averages
44.21
High
60.00
Current: 54.070
Low
34.00
Averages
44.21
High
60.00
About LUV
Southwest Airlines Co. (Southwest) operates Southwest Airlines, a passenger airline that provides scheduled air transportation in the United States and near-international markets. The Company's fare products include four categories: Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select to provide customers options when choosing a fare. It also offers ancillary services, such as EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, and transportation of pets and unaccompanied minors, in accordance with Southwest’s respective policies. Its Rapid Rewards loyalty program enables program members to earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest base fares, also including purchases paid with LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credit, with no portion of the purchase price paid with Rapid Rewards points. It operates over 803 Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet and serves 117 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and ten near-international countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Southwest Airlines Introduces Starlink High-Speed WiFi
- Inflight Connectivity Upgrade: Southwest Airlines partners with SpaceX to deploy Starlink on over 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, enabling high-speed WiFi that allows customers to stream videos and communicate in real-time during flights, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Significant Technological Advantage: The Starlink satellite network consists of over 9,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, capable of supporting HD streaming and online gaming, greatly improving the inflight entertainment experience and likely attracting more customers to choose Southwest, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: As the largest U.S. airline offering free WiFi fleetwide, Southwest's integration of Starlink, supported by T-Mobile, will further elevate the flying experience, meeting customer expectations for seamless connectivity and promoting increased customer loyalty.
- Strategic Investment Outlook: This technological integration not only upgrades existing services but also reflects Southwest's commitment to the future of air travel, with expectations to attract more passengers through improved service, driving long-term growth for the company.
See More
Southwest Airlines Offers Free Starlink Internet to Rapid Rewards Members
- Free Internet Service: Southwest Airlines is providing free Starlink internet connectivity to its Rapid Rewards members, with plans to integrate the service on over 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, significantly enhancing customer travel experience.
- First Aircraft Launch: The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, a move that not only meets customer expectations for seamless connectivity but also has the potential to boost customer loyalty and brand image.
- Expanded Coverage: Starlink will deliver WiFi across Southwest's network in 11 countries, further enhancing the airline's competitiveness in the global market, especially against the backdrop of increasing customer demand for high-quality internet services.
- Executive Commentary: Southwest's Chief Customer & Brand Officer Tony Roach noted that free WiFi has been a huge hit with Rapid Rewards members, indicating strong customer demand for seamless connectivity while traveling, which suggests further innovations in service offerings in the future.
See More
Texas Temporarily Halts Flights Due to Drone Activity
- Flight Suspension: The FAA temporarily halted all flights within an 11-mile radius of El Paso International Airport due to suspected cartel-operated drones entering U.S. airspace, highlighting significant security concerns.
- Military Response: The U.S. military took action to neutralize the drones using various counter-drone tools, including electronic disruption systems and directed energy weapons, indicating a robust defense against aerial threats.
- Flight Resumption: Hours later, the FAA lifted the restrictions, confirming that commercial aviation was not at risk and normal operations could resume, demonstrating a quick assessment and response to aviation safety.
- Increased Drone Activity: Criminal groups have increasingly deployed drones along the southern border for monitoring and smuggling, with U.S. Northern Command reporting over 1,000 drone incursions monthly, underscoring the growing severity of this emerging threat.
See More
FAA Lifts Flight Restrictions Over El Paso, Texas
- Flight Resumption: The FAA lifted temporary flight restrictions over El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, stating that there is no threat to commercial aviation, allowing all flights to resume normal operations and ensuring stability in air transport.
- Background of Restrictions: The FAA had imposed restrictions on Tuesday night, barring flights within an 11-mile radius of El Paso International Airport and below 18,000 feet for up to 10 days, indicating a serious concern for security issues.
- Local Reaction: Local leaders expressed shock at the sudden decision, with El Paso City Rep. Chris Canales noting that neither local government nor military bases received advance notice, highlighting a lack of transparency in government security management.
- Impact on Airlines: According to aviation data firm Cirium, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines have hundreds of flights scheduled through El Paso this month, and the lifting of restrictions will help restore normal operations for these airlines, mitigating potential economic losses.
See More
El Paso Airport Grounded Due to Security Reasons
- Flight Grounding: The FAA has halted all flights in and out of El Paso, Texas, from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30 PM (MST) due to 'special security reasons,' affecting approximately 55 daily departures and significantly disrupting local transportation and economic activities.
- National Defense Airspace: The affected area has been designated as 'national defense airspace,' with the FAA warning that the government may use deadly force against aircraft deemed to pose an imminent security threat, raising widespread public concern and anxiety regarding safety.
- Strong Community Reaction: Local Congresswoman Veronica Escobar described the move as 'highly consequential' and 'unprecedented,' noting that while there is no immediate threat to the community, the sudden nature of the restrictions has caused significant worry among residents, prompting calls for the FAA to lift the restrictions immediately.
- Lack of Advance Notice: Escobar emphasized that the FAA did not provide advance notice to her office, the City of El Paso, or airport operations personnel, resulting in airport staff needing to urgently seek further guidance from the FAA, which has hampered normal flight operations.
See More
El Paso International Airport Flight Grounding Due to Security
- Flight Grounding Incident: The FAA abruptly grounded all flights at El Paso International Airport for 10 days due to 'special security' instructions, although the order was lifted hours later, indicating the urgency and complexity of the security issue.
- Unspecified Security Reasons: The FAA did not immediately clarify the specific security reasons for the grounding, while the airport's proximity to Biggs Army Airfield and the Mexican border suggests potential security threats, despite local officials stating there is no immediate threat to the community.
- Widespread Flight Impact: El Paso International Airport served nearly 3.5 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2025, with 1,314 scheduled departures this month, prompting airlines like United and Southwest to offer rebooking options for affected travelers, demonstrating a commitment to customer safety.
- Strong Political Response: Texas Representative Veronica Escobar described the FAA's action as 'unprecedented' and noted the lack of advance notice to local government and airport operations, urging the FAA to lift the temporary flight restrictions, reflecting concerns over the transparency of security measures.
See More
Southwest Airlines Introduces Starlink High-Speed WiFi
- Inflight Connectivity Upgrade: Southwest Airlines partners with SpaceX to deploy Starlink on over 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, enabling high-speed WiFi that allows customers to stream videos and communicate in real-time during flights, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Significant Technological Advantage: The Starlink satellite network consists of over 9,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, capable of supporting HD streaming and online gaming, greatly improving the inflight entertainment experience and likely attracting more customers to choose Southwest, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: As the largest U.S. airline offering free WiFi fleetwide, Southwest's integration of Starlink, supported by T-Mobile, will further elevate the flying experience, meeting customer expectations for seamless connectivity and promoting increased customer loyalty.
- Strategic Investment Outlook: This technological integration not only upgrades existing services but also reflects Southwest's commitment to the future of air travel, with expectations to attract more passengers through improved service, driving long-term growth for the company.
See More
Southwest Airlines Offers Free Starlink Internet to Rapid Rewards Members
- Free Internet Service: Southwest Airlines is providing free Starlink internet connectivity to its Rapid Rewards members, with plans to integrate the service on over 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, significantly enhancing customer travel experience.
- First Aircraft Launch: The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, a move that not only meets customer expectations for seamless connectivity but also has the potential to boost customer loyalty and brand image.
- Expanded Coverage: Starlink will deliver WiFi across Southwest's network in 11 countries, further enhancing the airline's competitiveness in the global market, especially against the backdrop of increasing customer demand for high-quality internet services.
- Executive Commentary: Southwest's Chief Customer & Brand Officer Tony Roach noted that free WiFi has been a huge hit with Rapid Rewards members, indicating strong customer demand for seamless connectivity while traveling, which suggests further innovations in service offerings in the future.
See More
Texas Temporarily Halts Flights Due to Drone Activity
- Flight Suspension: The FAA temporarily halted all flights within an 11-mile radius of El Paso International Airport due to suspected cartel-operated drones entering U.S. airspace, highlighting significant security concerns.
- Military Response: The U.S. military took action to neutralize the drones using various counter-drone tools, including electronic disruption systems and directed energy weapons, indicating a robust defense against aerial threats.
- Flight Resumption: Hours later, the FAA lifted the restrictions, confirming that commercial aviation was not at risk and normal operations could resume, demonstrating a quick assessment and response to aviation safety.
- Increased Drone Activity: Criminal groups have increasingly deployed drones along the southern border for monitoring and smuggling, with U.S. Northern Command reporting over 1,000 drone incursions monthly, underscoring the growing severity of this emerging threat.
See More
FAA Lifts Flight Restrictions Over El Paso, Texas
- Flight Resumption: The FAA lifted temporary flight restrictions over El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, stating that there is no threat to commercial aviation, allowing all flights to resume normal operations and ensuring stability in air transport.
- Background of Restrictions: The FAA had imposed restrictions on Tuesday night, barring flights within an 11-mile radius of El Paso International Airport and below 18,000 feet for up to 10 days, indicating a serious concern for security issues.
- Local Reaction: Local leaders expressed shock at the sudden decision, with El Paso City Rep. Chris Canales noting that neither local government nor military bases received advance notice, highlighting a lack of transparency in government security management.
- Impact on Airlines: According to aviation data firm Cirium, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines have hundreds of flights scheduled through El Paso this month, and the lifting of restrictions will help restore normal operations for these airlines, mitigating potential economic losses.
See More
El Paso Airport Grounded Due to Security Reasons
- Flight Grounding: The FAA has halted all flights in and out of El Paso, Texas, from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30 PM (MST) due to 'special security reasons,' affecting approximately 55 daily departures and significantly disrupting local transportation and economic activities.
- National Defense Airspace: The affected area has been designated as 'national defense airspace,' with the FAA warning that the government may use deadly force against aircraft deemed to pose an imminent security threat, raising widespread public concern and anxiety regarding safety.
- Strong Community Reaction: Local Congresswoman Veronica Escobar described the move as 'highly consequential' and 'unprecedented,' noting that while there is no immediate threat to the community, the sudden nature of the restrictions has caused significant worry among residents, prompting calls for the FAA to lift the restrictions immediately.
- Lack of Advance Notice: Escobar emphasized that the FAA did not provide advance notice to her office, the City of El Paso, or airport operations personnel, resulting in airport staff needing to urgently seek further guidance from the FAA, which has hampered normal flight operations.
See More
El Paso International Airport Flight Grounding Due to Security
- Flight Grounding Incident: The FAA abruptly grounded all flights at El Paso International Airport for 10 days due to 'special security' instructions, although the order was lifted hours later, indicating the urgency and complexity of the security issue.
- Unspecified Security Reasons: The FAA did not immediately clarify the specific security reasons for the grounding, while the airport's proximity to Biggs Army Airfield and the Mexican border suggests potential security threats, despite local officials stating there is no immediate threat to the community.
- Widespread Flight Impact: El Paso International Airport served nearly 3.5 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2025, with 1,314 scheduled departures this month, prompting airlines like United and Southwest to offer rebooking options for affected travelers, demonstrating a commitment to customer safety.
- Strong Political Response: Texas Representative Veronica Escobar described the FAA's action as 'unprecedented' and noted the lack of advance notice to local government and airport operations, urging the FAA to lift the temporary flight restrictions, reflecting concerns over the transparency of security measures.
See More
