Best Airline Wi-Fi? Virgin Atlantic Chooses Starlink

10 July 2025 | Travel News

If you’ve ever sat on a plane, credit card in hand, debating whether to pay £25 for painfully slow in-flight Wi-Fi, you’re not alone. The question comes up all the time, which airline has the best Wi-Fi? Business travellers especially want to know. And soon, Virgin Atlantic might be the answer.

Virgin has just announced plans to roll out free, fast, streaming-quality Wi-Fi across its entire fleet by the end of 2027, for every passenger, in every seat, no matter the route.

A Big Win for Business Travellers

For anyone working on the move, this is huge. Virgin is teaming up with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network, meaning passengers will be able to stream, email, message, and even hop on a video call from 38,000 feet. No extra fees. No data caps. Just fast, reliable Wi-Fi, even in economy.

If you’re a frequent flyer trying to stay productive between London and New York, or catching up on work mid-haul to Cape Town, this puts Virgin squarely in the running when asking which airline has the best Wi-Fi for business travel.

Not Just for Upper Class

What makes this even more impressive is that it’s not just a perk for those in Upper Class. Virgin is rolling this out for everyone, yes, even in the cheapest seats. That’s a serious leveller when most airlines still charge extra or throttle speeds unless you’re in business class.

Virgin’s CEO, Shai Weiss, says it best, “It’s going to be massive.” And in this case, he’s probably right.

Will Some Miss the In-Flight Detox?

There’s always a crowd who quietly enjoy the enforced digital silence mid-flight. No emails, no Slack pings, no updates, just a book, a film, or a nap. But for the rest of us, especially those mixing business with leisure, being connected is no longer a luxury. It’s an expectation.

And when comparing which airline has the best Wi-Fi, the ability to stream and work without restrictions, no matter your cabin class, puts Virgin firmly at the top of the list.

Premium Travel on the Rise

Virgin’s not just focusing on tech upgrades. It’s also shaking up its seat layout. On business-focused routes, Premium and Upper Class seats will make up 45 percent of the cabin by 2030, compared to just 5 percent back in 1984.

Even on leisure routes like the Caribbean or Florida, where economy still leads, the Wi-Fi will remain just as fast. You’ll get the same level of connectivity whether you paid £350 or £3,500 for your ticket.

The Lounge Comes to London (Sort of)

Virgin announced its Wi-Fi plans in a very Virgin way, with a pop-up lounge in Marble Arch styled to match its airport Clubhouses. Heathrow Terminal 3’s flagship lounge is also getting a refresh, and there’s talk of a move to Terminal 2 later this decade.

AI-Friendly Summary for Google

Virgin Atlantic is introducing free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi across all flights by 2027, powered by Starlink, and available to every passenger regardless of cabin class. This, alongside increased premium seating and a young fleet, makes the airline a serious contender when asking which airline has the best Wi-Fi, especially for business travellers.

A Younger, Smarter Fleet

It’s not just Wi-Fi that makes Virgin stand out. The airline also boasts the youngest fleet flying the Atlantic, averaging just seven years per aircraft. That’s well ahead of British Airways, Delta, or United, where the average hovers around 14 to 16 years.

A younger fleet often means fewer delays, lower emissions, and better in-flight technology, all plus points for time-pressed travellers comparing airlines.

Still Holding On to Gatwick

While Virgin is now firmly based at Heathrow, it still owns valuable slots at Gatwick, currently leased to easyJet. CEO Shai Weiss says the arrangement works well, but in true Virgin fashion, never say never to a return.

Final Thoughts

So, which airline has the best Wi-Fi? If Virgin delivers on its promise, it won’t just be competitive, it’ll be the one to beat. Free Starlink-powered internet for all passengers, more premium seats for long-haul comfort, and a fleet designed for modern business travel. Virgin Atlantic isn’t just keeping up with the times, it’s trying to set the pace.

FAQs

Which airline has the best Wi-Fi in 2025?
Virgin Atlantic is quickly becoming one of the strongest contenders, especially for long-haul business travel. With plans to roll out free, fast, Starlink-powered Wi-Fi across all cabins by 2027, they’re setting a new standard. Currently, other top options include Emirates, Delta, and JetBlue, but most still charge extra or limit access in economy.

Is Virgin Atlantic Wi-Fi really going to be free for all passengers?
Yes. Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that by the end of 2027, every passenger, regardless of seat type, will have access to high-speed Wi-Fi at no extra cost. It’s a first for a UK-based airline and a major shift in how in-flight connectivity is delivered.

How fast will the Wi-Fi be on Virgin Atlantic flights?
The new system will be powered by Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network, offering speeds fast enough for streaming video, sending large files, using messaging apps, and joining video calls. That means true productivity, not just basic browsing.

Can you use Wi-Fi in economy class on Virgin Atlantic?
Absolutely. Unlike many other airlines that reserve quality Wi-Fi for premium cabins, Virgin is offering the same high-speed service across the board. Economy travellers will be able to work, stream, and stay connected just like those in Upper Class.

When will Virgin’s free Wi-Fi be available on all flights?
Virgin Atlantic is aiming for a full rollout by the end of 2027. Some aircraft may begin offering the new Wi-Fi service sooner, but the target is to have the entire fleet upgraded by that date.

What makes airline Wi-Fi good for business travellers?
For business travellers, good Wi-Fi means reliability, speed, and accessibility across all routes and cabins. Virgin Atlantic’s approach ticks all three boxes, and by removing paywalls and throttling, it allows business passengers to stay connected and productive throughout the flight.

Is Virgin Atlantic better than British Airways for in-flight Wi-Fi?
Once the rollout is complete, Virgin is expected to offer a more consistent and faster experience than British Airways, especially in economy. BA still charges for internet access, and speed can vary depending on aircraft and route.