Frontier Airlines is making a significant upgrade to its in-flight experience with the installation of Starlink, the ultrafast internet service from SpaceX. The Denver-based budget airline will be outfitting its jets with the satellite service, which will allow passengers to surf the web and stream video as they would on the ground.
The upgrade is part of Frontier's efforts to elevate its on-board experience, which has historically been known for its no-frills, egalitarian approach. However, the carrier has been trying to court more customers by leveling up some of its offerings, from a revamped loyalty program and companion pass to true premium seating, which is expected to debut in the coming months.
According to the airline's CEO, Jimmy Dempsey, the Starlink installation is another example of how Frontier is evolving the travel experience while staying true to its commitment to offering the lowest fares. However, the airline has not yet disclosed whether it plans to charge customers for the Wi-Fi service or offer it for free.
Most global airlines that have adopted Starlink for their Wi-Fi have made the service free to customers, but Panama-based Copa Airlines recently announced that it would be charging most flyers a fee to access the service, with exceptions for elite members and those with Starlink as their home internet provider.
Frontier's decision to adopt Starlink is a significant upgrade from its current Wi-Fi offerings, which have been plagued by interruptions and slow speeds. The airline joins a growing list of U.S. carriers to debut Starlink Wi-Fi service, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
As part of the installation, Frontier will be joining a group of budget airlines in the Indigo Partners portfolio, which includes Wizz Air, Volaris, and JetSmart, that will also be receiving the Starlink service. The company did not disclose how fast the installations will occur, but it expects to have the service up and running in the coming years.
Frontier's Wi-Fi announcement comes as the carrier awaits the arrival of its delayed first-class seats, which were initially slated to join its planes last year. A spokesperson confirmed that the installations remain on track to happen by the end of 2026.
