Anyone who has spent a flight staring at the seat in front of them, having forgotten to download a film or podcast, may soon have another option.
easyJet has announced plans to introduce high-speed Wi-Fi across its aircraft, allowing passengers to browse the internet, watch videos and stay connected while flying.
The airline has signed an agreement with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, with installation scheduled to begin during the first half of 2027.
The technology will be introduced across easyJet’s Airbus A320, A320neo and A321neo aircraft, with the airline expecting to complete the service by early 2028.
For travellers flying between Portugal and destinations across Europe, it could mean a significant change to the experience of flying with one of the continent’s largest low-cost airlines.
Up until now, easyJet passengers have not had access to conventional onboard internet services. Once the new system is installed, travellers should be able to use their own phones, tablets and laptops to get online during flights.
easyJet has yet to answer whether or not customers will have to pay for the service.
Although the airline has confirmed the partnership and announced when the service will become available, it has not announced whether passengers will be charged for using it.
Nor has it explained whether internet access might be included in certain fares or offered as an optional extra.
For an airline built around keeping ticket prices competitive, the cost of providing Wi-Fi will be an important consideration.
In January, easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis had raised concerns about the economics of introducing onboard connectivity.
The latest agreement suggests the airline has found a way forward, but the financial terms of its arrangement with Starlink have not yet been disclosed.
Passengers will therefore have to wait for further announcements before knowing whether they can expect complimentary internet or another charge when booking their flights.
Unlike older onboard systems that can struggle with basic browsing, Starlink uses a network of satellites orbiting relatively close to Earth to provide high-speed internet connections.
The technology is designed to support activities that require more bandwidth, including streaming films, playing online games and working remotely.
easyJet says passengers will be able to browse and stream content on their own devices, while also following information about their flight.
That could include checking flight updates, looking up connection options at their destination or finding out what the weather will be like when they land.
The airline has also suggested that the technology could eventually allow customers to order food and drinks directly from their seats, although this has not been confirmed as a feature available from launch.
For passengers on shorter European flights, the ability to check emails, send messages or organise onward travel could be just as useful as watching a film.
Airlines are changing their approach to internet access
easyJet is joining a growing number of airlines turning to satellite technology to improve onboard connectivity.
Starlink has announced agreements with several major international carriers, while fellow budget airline Wizz Air also announced a partnership earlier this year.
Ryanair, however, has taken a different approach.
The airline has questioned whether passengers on short flights would be willing to pay for Wi-Fi, particularly when installation and operating costs could increase expenses.
The disagreement highlights a wider question facing low-cost airlines: how many additional services can they offer while keeping fares affordable?
For easyJet, the investment is part of a larger effort to appeal to both holidaymakers and business travellers.
The airline carried approximately 100 million passengers in 2025 and operates more than 1,200 routes across Europe and beyond.
easyJet operates services connecting Portuguese airports with numerous European destinations, making the announcement relevant to travellers using Faro, Lisbon, Porto and Madeira.
However, passengers should not assume that every easyJet flight will have Wi-Fi from the beginning of 2027.
Installation will take place gradually, saying some aircraft will offer the service before others.
The airline has not yet published a route-by-route timetable, so there is no confirmed date for when passengers travelling on specific routes will first have access.
For now, the main change is that onboard internet is finally coming to easyJet.
Whether passengers will be happy to pay for it, or expect it to be included in the ticket price, remains to be seen.