Key facts
- Venture capitalist Jason Calacanis is prioritizing Starlink WiFi availability when selecting commercial flights.
- Calacanis stated he would choose flights based on Starlink connectivity over total time, route, or price.
- He is willing to travel to different airports, such as driving to Houston, to fly on Starlink-equipped aircraft.
- SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell confirmed that customers are opting for flights with Starlink.
- Over 40 airlines have partnered with Starlink to offer the service to passengers.
Venture capitalist Jason Calacanis has declared that the availability of Starlink WiFi is now a more critical factor than price, route, or travel time when he chooses commercial flights. Calacanis, who co-hosts the "All-In" podcast, posted on X that he is actively selecting flights based on whether they are equipped with Elon Musk's satellite internet service.
He indicated a willingness to alter his travel plans significantly, stating he would drive from Austin to Houston to fly with Zipair, a Japanese airline that has equipped its entire fleet of eight aircraft with Starlink. Calacanis also called upon United Airlines to accelerate the installation of Starlink on its long-haul fleet, following the airline's announcement of completing its first transatlantic flight with the technology.
Calacanis is not alone in this evolving travel preference. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell recently shared that some airline customers are choosing shorter flights over direct routes to ensure they are on a Starlink-activated plane. YouTuber MrBeast had previously expressed a similar sentiment, stating he would select flights based on Starlink availability, even if it meant a longer journey.
More than 40 airlines have announced agreements with Starlink, including major carriers like Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. The service is typically offered to passengers at no additional charge, often contingent on signing up for the airline's loyalty program. Starlink utilizes a network of nearly 11,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, aiming to provide superior speed and reliability compared to conventional in-flight WiFi systems.