Will Free Starlink WiFi On Hawaiian Airlines Stay, Expand, Or Disappear?

When Hawaiian announced in 2022 that it had partnered with the then-revolutionary SpaceX’s Starlink to provide free, high-speed satellite-based Wi-Fi across all but its interisland fleet, it was a major leap forward in airline Wi-Fi. The partnership has since elevated the in-flight experience and sets a new standard in the industry, now prompting other major airlines to reconsider their own connectivity offerings. United announced plans to offer Starlink as well.

Hawaiian’s decision to lead with Starlink has been a standout move that passengers have celebrated, particularly as it remains completely free and features performance previously not seen on other services.

However, with Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian, uncertainty looms over the future of this important and now customary amenity.

Alaska Airlines currently charges $8 for in-flight Wi-Fi, and whether it will maintain Hawaiian’s free Starlink offering is unclear. Integrating Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleets and the now-free Starlink technology into Alaska’s lineup adds complexity. As the integration of Hawaiian progresses, the fate of free Wi-Fi on Hawaii flights is an issue that travelers are watching closely.

Hawaiian Airlines made waves when it rolled out free Starlink Wi-Fi, bringing home-quality internet speeds and high reliability to passengers on flights across the Pacific to the mainland and internationally. This unprecedented offering allowed passengers to stream, work, and stay connected over vast ocean crossings—all at no cost. However, with Alaska Airlines taking control of Hawaiian, questions loom about the future of Wi-Fi at both of its brands.

Before this, Hawaiian Airlines lagged behind its competitors for over a decade in offering in-flight Wi-Fi. While other carriers had long since implemented connectivity options that included at least some satellite services over the Pacific, Hawaiian remained the last major U.S. airline without such services.

The value of free Wi-Fi across the Pacific.

Hawaiian’s move to offer free Wi-Fi was a game changer. Unlike other airlines flying to Hawaii, which other than Delta charge fees for limited connectivity, Hawaiian provided universal free access to Starlink’s satellite-based service. This innovation works everywhere, including routes where other airlines struggle with sometimes spotty service.

Reader Jay recently commented, “Of all the discussions, no one has mentioned Starlink, home-based internet speed across the globe (including over large ocean crossings) for every seat for Free. Hopefully, Alaska keeps it free—that, to me, is the difference.”

The convenience of reliable connectivity has become an integral part of travel for many passengers, and Hawaiian’s offering puts it ahead of competitors like Delta and United in this regard.

Alaska Airlines’ approach to onboard connectivity.

Alaska Airlines has its own approach to Wi-Fi, with a service that isn’t as robust. The airline previously offered internet access which relied on air-to-ground connectivity over the U.S. mainland and satellite-based services over other regions, although it has migrated to all satellite based Wi-Fi..

Alaska, unlike Hawaiian, charges passengers for Wi-Fi, with prices starting at $8 per flight—a stark contrast. That is the same price charged by Southwest. This has led many to wonder if Alaska will maintain Hawaiian’s free Starlink Wi-Fi or transition to a paid model.

Will Alaska keep Starlink Wi-Fi free?

Alaska Airlines has yet to announce definitive future plans for onboard Wi-Fi services, but industry watchers can’t help but wonder whether any of it will remain free. Offering high-speed, free Wi-Fi to every passenger comes with significant costs, and Alaska may choose to recoup those expenses through fees, as it does with its current Wi-Fi model.

However, there’s also hope that Starlink could remain free. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci previously stated that integrating Hawaiian’s best practices into Alaska’s operations would be a priority. Hawaiian’s free Wi-Fi is widely regarded as a standout, and removing it could also alienate passengers.

What this means for Hawaii travelers.

The stakes are high for travelers who now rely on Hawaiian’s free Wi-Fi. BOH editors count ourselves among them. Maintaining Starlink could give Alaska a competitive edge, especially on long-haul flights to and from Hawaii, where connectivity is increasingly valued.

Passengers like Jay see this as a critical differentiator, saying, “Competition is good for the passengers, so this is all good.” Removing free Wi-Fi would not only erode Hawaiian’s current advantage but could also drive travelers to competitors.

Final thoughts.

As Alaska Airlines take the reins, the future of this offering remains unclear for now. Whether Alaska retains and expands Starlink or reverts to a paid model will send a strong message about its vision for Hawaii travel and beyond.

Passengers can only hope that Alaska recognizes the value of keeping Hawaiian’s best free service. In today’s competitive airline landscape, small details like reliable, free Wi-Fi make a big difference.