Ultra low cost carrier Frontier is the latest airline to commit to Starlink Wi-Fi, with plans to launch the service as of early 2027. However, a big question remains — will Starlink be free, or why are we seeing the sudden new reality of airlines charging for Starlink?
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Frontier Airlines rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi as of early 2027
Frontier Airlines has announced plans to introduce SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi as of early 2027, though it remains to be seen how long the rollout will take. Frontier has a fleet of around 175 aircraft, with roughly another 150 aircraft on order.
Starlink is known for its high-speed, low-latency broadband internet, and the service is offered gate to gate. Starlink Wi-Fi allows for live streaming, productivity similar to on the ground (with high upload and download speeds), gaming, e-commerce, and more.
Frontier claims it will be the first US airline to offer passengers access to Starlink’s internet through a new system managed directly by Starlink. The airline also highlights how this will provide connectivity for pilots, flight attendants, maintenance teams, and ground operations, enabling improved operational performance and more seamless customer service.
Frontier currently doesn’t offer any sort of inflight connectivity, so to go from no Wi-Fi to Starlink is pretty awesome. Here’s what Jimmy Dempsey, CEO of Frontier, had to say about this:
“We’re continuing to invest in the products and services that matter most to our customers. Starlink transforms the onboard experience, giving customers the flexibility to work, stream, browse, and stay connected throughout their journey. Alongside the introduction of First Class seating and enhancements to our loyalty program, it’s another example of how we’re evolving the travel experience while staying true to our commitment to offering the lowest fares.”
I imagine Frontier Airlines will charge for Starlink Wi-Fi?
Up until recently, all airlines that introduced Starlink Wi-Fi offered the service to free for all passengers. As a matter of fact, it was widely reported that this was a requirement that SpaceX put in place for using the service, which is that you can’t directly charge passengers for the use of it.
However, Panama’s Copa Airlines recently became the first airline to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi and not offer it for free. I still haven’t actually been able to figure out what’s going on there, as presumably that requirement is no longer in place?
And that brings us to Frontier, which is an ultra low cost carrier. Nowhere in the press release does the airline indicate that use of Starlink will be free, so I think that’s a pretty clear indication that the airline intends to charge for use of the service.
Honestly, I don’t see anything wrong with an airline like Frontier choosing to charge for use of the service. I think part of the reason we’ve seen ultra low cost carriers struggle in the United States is that they’ve lost some of their cost advantage. So for an airline that’s all about having low base fares and letting people bundle services on, I think the same principle can apply to Wi-Fi.
Presumably there will still be ways to get it for free, by buying certain fare bundles, by having certain elite status or credit cards, etc.
Bottom line
Frontier Airlines plans to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi as of early 2027, making it the first major US low cost carrier to commit to the service. The airline hasn’t stated that the service will be free, which makes me think that the plan is to offer this as a paid service, with some fare bundles, elite members, and credit card holders, possibly getting it included.
It’s interesting to see how Starlink has gone from a service that has been complimentary to all passengers, to now being one that airlines can choose to charge extra for.
What do you make of Frontier rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi?
I was starting to think i will get rid of my T-Mobile unlimited internet plan with everyone seeming to get StarLink…
Guess I will be keeping it in the event the other Airlines feel they will have to follow ULCC’s in the race to the bottom. Guess the only positive thing is, perhaps if JetBlue and Frontier get closer well they will have internet products to offer their passengers for a fee or complimentary or both.
Also Cebu Pacific the low cost airline in the Philippines announced they will have Starlink on the their planes starting in 2027.
"Frontier is one of five airlines in the portfolio of private equity firm Indigo Partners that plan to adopt Starlink. The others are European carrier Wizz Air, Mexico's Volaris, Chile's JetSmart, and the Philippines' Cebu Pacific."
Cebu Pacific did not say what the business model will be.
Where are people getting the allegation that Starlink has to be free to consumers? Cruise ships have been charging for the service for quite awhile.
@ Chris -- I believe that policy was specific to airlines. I've heard that from several airline executives, but clearly something has changed, or that wasn't quite accurate.