Embarking on a Southwest Airlines flight? You might be wondering how to stay entertained at 30,000 feet, especially if catching up on live TV is on your agenda. Good news! Southwest offers a robust inflight entertainment portal that includes free live TV, along with movies, TV series on demand, and music. Forget those clunky seatback screens – your personal device is your gateway to entertainment on Southwest.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing your device before you even step on the plane to troubleshooting common issues mid-flight. So, are you ready to transform your flight into a personal entertainment lounge? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Prepare Your Device BEFORE You Fly!
This is arguably the most crucial step for a seamless inflight entertainment experience. Don't wait until you're at cruising altitude to realize you're missing something!
Sub-heading: Essential Downloads for Your Entertainment Hub
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Download the Southwest® App: This is non-negotiable for accessing movies and some on-demand TV content. While live TV and basic features of the entertainment portal are accessible through your browser, having the app ensures you get the full range of entertainment options. Head to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS) and download it well in advance.
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Charge Your Devices: Southwest is in the process of rolling out in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C ports), but not all aircraft currently have them. To avoid a mid-flight battery crisis, ensure your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged before you board. Bring a portable power bank if you have one – it's a lifesaver!
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Headphones are a Must: While you're free to enjoy the visual content, using headphones is required for any audio. Don't be that person blasting their show for the whole cabin to hear! Pack your favorite pair of wired or Bluetooth headphones.
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Update Your Browser/Operating System: Ensure your device's operating system (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows) and your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) are updated to their latest versions. This can prevent compatibility issues with the Southwest inflight portal.
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| How Do I Watch Live Tv On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Boarding and Pre-Flight Setup
Once you've found your seat and the cabin doors are closed, it's time to get your device ready for takeoff.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
Sub-heading: Getting Connected in the Air
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Enable Airplane Mode: This is standard procedure for any flight. Go to your device's settings and turn on Airplane Mode. This disables cellular data, calls, and texts.
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Turn on Wi-Fi: Crucially, after enabling Airplane Mode, immediately turn your Wi-Fi back on. This allows your device to search for available Wi-Fi networks.
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Select "SouthwestWiFi": From the list of available Wi-Fi networks, you'll see "SouthwestWiFi". Tap on it to connect. You don't need a password for this network.
Step 3: Accessing the Inflight Entertainment Portal
Once connected to the SouthwestWi-Fi network, the real fun begins!
Sub-heading: Navigating to Your Entertainment
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Automatic Portal Launch: In most cases, the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal will automatically launch in your device's web browser once you connect to "SouthwestWiFi".
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Manual Access (If Needed): If the portal doesn't appear automatically, don't panic! Simply open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.) and type
www.southwestwifi.com -
Explore the Portal: Once you're on the portal, you'll see various options. Look for sections like "Live TV," "Movies," "On-Demand TV Series," and "Music."
Step 4: Watching Live TV
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This is what you came for! Southwest offers a selection of free live TV channels.
Sub-heading: Tuning into Your Favorite Channels
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Locate the "Live TV" Section: Within the Inflight Entertainment Portal, find the dedicated "Live TV" option. It's usually prominently displayed.
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Browse Channels: Southwest typically offers a variety of popular live TV channels. The specific channels available may vary, but you can expect to find news, sports, and general entertainment channels.
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Select and Enjoy: Tap on the channel you wish to watch, and the stream should begin playing. Remember, due to licensing restrictions, live TV may not be available for the full duration of international flights.
Step 5: Understanding Wi-Fi vs. Entertainment
It's important to differentiate between Southwest's free inflight entertainment and paid internet access.
Sub-heading: Free Entertainment vs. Paid Connectivity
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Free Inflight Entertainment: As mentioned, live TV, movies, on-demand TV, and music (via iHeartRadio) are entirely free on Wi-Fi enabled aircraft. You do not need to purchase internet access to enjoy these options.
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Paid Internet Access: If you wish to browse the web, check emails, or use social media (beyond free iMessage and WhatsApp texting), you'll need to purchase internet access. This typically costs $8 per device, per flight.
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Note: Southwest A-List Preferred members and Business Select Customers receive complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards also offer Wi-Fi credits.
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High-Bandwidth Restrictions: Even with paid internet access, Southwest restricts access to certain high-bandwidth applications and websites, including streaming services like Netflix, HBO GO, and video conferencing (like FaceTime). This is to ensure a stable and fair internet experience for all passengers.
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Step 6: Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes technology can be a bit finicky. Here are some quick tips if you encounter issues.
Sub-heading: Quick Fixes for Common Problems
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"SouthwestWiFi" Not Appearing: Ensure your Wi-Fi is on and your device is in Airplane Mode. If it still doesn't show up, try toggling Airplane Mode off and on again.
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Portal Not Loading: If
southwestwifi.comdoesn't load, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different web browser. Sometimes, restarting your device can also help. -
Live TV Buffering or Freezing: Inflight Wi-Fi can sometimes be inconsistent. If you're experiencing buffering, try waiting a few minutes or switching to a different channel. Connectivity can fluctuate.
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"Content Requires App" Message: If you see this message for a movie or TV show, it means you need the Southwest® app downloaded on your device to view that particular content. If you haven't downloaded it yet, you'll need to do so before your next flight!
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No In-Seat Power: If your device's battery is draining quickly and there are no power outlets at your seat, your portable power bank is your best friend. Conserve battery by dimming your screen or closing other applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines' inflight entertainment and live TV:
How to check if my flight has Wi-Fi and Live TV? You can generally assume most Southwest flights on Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft offer live TV. Southwest states that their inflight entertainment portal, including free live TV, is available on WiFi-enabled aircraft. There isn't a pre-flight tool to check specific aircraft Wi-Fi capability for your flight, but it's widely available.
How to download the Southwest app? Search for "Southwest Airlines" in the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the Apple App Store (for iOS devices). Tap "Install" or "Get" to download the app to your phone or tablet.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
How to connect to SouthwestWiFi? Put your device in Airplane Mode, then turn on Wi-Fi. Select "SouthwestWiFi" from the available networks. The inflight entertainment portal should open automatically, or you can go to www.southwestwifi.com in your browser.
How to access the Inflight Entertainment Portal? Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi", the portal usually launches automatically. If not, open your web browser and type www.southwestwifi.com into the address bar.
How to watch free movies on Southwest Airlines? To watch free movies, you'll need the Southwest® app downloaded on your device before your flight. Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi", navigate to the "Movies" section within the portal or the app.
How to use free messaging on Southwest flights? Southwest offers free texting via iMessage and WhatsApp. You can access this through the Inflight Entertainment Portal. Ensure you have these apps downloaded and activated on your device before connecting to SouthwestWiFi.
How to purchase full internet access on Southwest? If you want to browse the internet beyond the free entertainment, you can typically purchase full internet access for $8 per device, per flight, directly through the Inflight Entertainment Portal.
How to get free Wi-Fi internet on Southwest? A-List Preferred members and Business Select Customers receive complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Additionally, some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer Wi-Fi credits that can reimburse the $8 charge.
How to troubleshoot if the Wi-Fi isn't working? Try turning Airplane Mode off and on again, restarting your device, clearing your browser's cache, or manually typing www.southwestwifi.com into your browser. If issues persist, there might be a temporary network issue.
How to enjoy the best inflight entertainment experience on Southwest? The best way is to prepare in advance: download the Southwest app, fully charge your devices, bring headphones, and have a portable power bank ready. This ensures you can enjoy all the free entertainment options without interruption.
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