Europe's biggest budget carriers have resisted in-flight internet for years, but easyJet has just broken ranks. On 26 October 2026, the airline announced its first-ever Wi-Fi service, powered by SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, with installations starting on its Airbus A320, A320neo and A321neo aircraft in the first half of 2027 and the full rollout due by early 2028.

Until now, easyJet's short-haul flights have been a connectivity dead zone — notable given the scale of the operation. The airline moved around 100 million passengers in 2025 and serves more than 160 airports. Once Starlink is fitted, passengers will be able to connect their own phones, tablets and laptops and use the internet much as they would on the ground: streaming, gaming, messaging or catching up on work.

There are some practical perks beyond entertainment, too. Travellers will be able to check their flight status in the easyJet app, look up weather and transport options at their destination before landing, and potentially order food and drinks from the onboard menu without flagging down cabin crew. Pricing and the first routes to get the service haven't been announced yet.

CEO Kenton Jarvis framed the move as a response to what customers now expect — from holidaymakers wanting something to watch, to business travellers who want to keep working in the air. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell promised fast, reliable connectivity from take-off to landing.

easyJet is far from a pioneer here; it's a fast follower. Starlink's low-Earth-orbit satellites have been winning over airlines because they offer noticeably better speeds and stability than older in-flight systems. In Europe alone, Air France, British Airways, SAS, Virgin Atlantic and the whole Lufthansa Group — including SWISS, Austrian and Brussels Airlines — have signed up, while Wizz Air and airBaltic are already installing it. Qatar Airways and Emirates are on board in the Middle East, and in the US United, American, Alaska and Southwest all offer it.

Why it matters to you: high-speed internet is quickly shifting from a long-haul or premium-cabin extra to a standard part of a cheap flight. If you regularly fly easyJet, plan on being able to message arrivals, download entertainment mid-air or squeeze in some emails — likely on flights where you previously had no option but to switch off. Just keep an eye out for pricing details, since easyJet hasn't said whether it will be free or paid.

Story via Travel Tomorrow.