This week in airline news: American Airlines is bringing Starlink Wi-Fi to hundreds of aircraft while JetBlue plans to launch its first-ever flights to Venezuela later this year. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines has officially grounded humanoid robots after “Stewie” recently traveled in his own booked seat.
American To Install Starlink in 2027
American Airlines is the latest carrier to team up with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service for in-flight Wi-Fi.
The airline announced Tuesday that it will begin installing Starlink equipment on 500 narrowbody aircraft starting in early 2027, including new Airbus A321XLR and A321neo jets.
“American is committed to elevating every aspect of our customers’ travel journeys,” Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said in a media release, noting that Starlink’s faster speeds and lower latency should make onboard internet more dependable for everything from streaming and shopping to video collaboration tools.
Starlink relies on thousands of low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet service that more closely mirrors the at-home online experience. American did not indicate whether or when the technology would be added to its widebody fleet.
More than two dozen airlines have already signed on with Starlink for onboard connectivity, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Emirates, British Airways and Qatar Airways.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has partnered with Starlink rival Amazon Leo and will start deployment on 500 aircraft in 2028.
JetBlue to Launch First-Ever Service to Venezuela
JetBlue announced Thursday that it plans to launch nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Caracas, marking the airline’s first route to Venezuela. The carrier said flights are expected to begin before the end of the year, pending government approval, with tickets going on sale in the coming months. The route will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft.
“Fort Lauderdale continues to serve as JetBlue’s gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America,” Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships Dave Jehn said in a media release, noting that South Florida’s large Venezuelan community makes the route a strong fit for the airline.
The move follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision in January to lift its ban on passenger and cargo flights to Venezuela after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured and brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
American Airlines resumed Miami-Caracas service on April 30, while United Airlines plans to restart Houston-Caracas flights in early August.
Southwest Bans Robots from Flights
In the “rule you didn’t know was needed” category: Southwest Airlines this week updated its policy to ban certain types of robots from its aircraft after a humanoid machine recently traveled onboard one of its flights.
In a notice posted to its online help center, Southwest said “human-like or animal-like robots” are no longer allowed in the cabin or as checked baggage, regardless of size or purpose. The airline said the policy is intended to comply with lithium-ion battery safety regulations, as damaged or defective batteries can overheat and cause smoke or fires.
Other robots, including toys, are still permitted if they fit inside a carry-on bag and meet battery restrictions.
According to CBS News, the update came days after a Texas business owner brought a 3.5-foot humanoid robot named “Stewie” on a flight from Las Vegas to Dallas Love Field. The robot had its own seat booked under a special ticket typically used for fragile items, such as wedding dresses.
Photos and videos of the robot onboard quickly spread online. It is unclear whether the incident directly prompted the policy change.
The robot’s owner told CBS News that Stewie’s battery complies with airline regulations and said he hopes Southwest reconsiders the ban.
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