It's fantastic that you're planning to stay connected on your Southwest flight! It makes a world of difference to be able to browse, work, or just relax with some entertainment at 30,000 feet. Paying for Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines is a straightforward process, and I'll walk you through every step to ensure a smooth, connected journey.
Staying Connected Up in the Air: Your Guide to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi
Have you ever found yourself on a flight, wishing you could quickly check an email, send a message to a loved one, or simply scroll through your favorite social media? Southwest Airlines understands that need for connectivity, offering a convenient Wi-Fi service on most of their flights. While some entertainment and messaging options are free, full internet access comes at a small fee. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about accessing and paying for Wi-Fi on your next Southwest adventure.
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| How Do You Pay For Wifi On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Get Ready for Take-off (and Wi-Fi!) – Prepare Your Device
Before you even step foot on the plane, it's always a good idea to ensure your device is ready for in-flight connectivity. This simple preparation can save you time and hassle once you're in the air.
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A. Charge Your Devices: This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. In-flight Wi-Fi can drain your battery faster than usual, and while Southwest is working on adding in-seat power to their aircraft, it's not universally available yet. A fully charged phone, tablet, or laptop is your best friend.
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B. Download the Southwest App: Even if you plan to purchase full internet access, the Southwest Airlines app is an invaluable tool for free in-flight entertainment. You can watch movies and on-demand TV shows directly through the app, without needing to pay for internet. Download it from your device's app store before your flight.
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C. Ensure Messaging Apps are Ready: If you intend to use free messaging (iMessage or WhatsApp), make sure these apps are downloaded and activated on your device before you connect to the Southwest Wi-Fi network. This prevents any issues with verification or setup once you're airborne.
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D. Check Browser Compatibility: While most modern browsers work seamlessly, it's good to know that Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge (latest versions) are generally well-supported.
Step 2: Connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" Network
Once you're onboard and the cabin crew announces that electronic devices can be used, it's time to connect!
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A. Enable Airplane Mode: This is the first and most important step. Go to your device's settings and switch on Airplane Mode. This disables all cellular and Bluetooth connections, as required by aviation regulations.
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B. Turn On Wi-Fi: With Airplane Mode activated, you can then independently turn on your Wi-Fi. Look for the Wi-Fi icon in your device's settings or quick access menu.
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C. Select "SouthwestWiFi": From the list of available Wi-Fi networks, you'll see one named "SouthwestWiFi". Tap on it to connect. You do not need a password to connect to this network.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Step 3: Accessing the In-Flight Entertainment Portal
After connecting to the network, your device should automatically redirect you to the Southwest In-Flight Entertainment Portal.
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A. Automatic Redirection: In most cases, a new page will automatically appear on your screen, leading you to the portal.
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B. Manual Access (If Needed): If the portal doesn't load automatically, don't worry! Simply open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, Edge, etc.) and type
www.southwestwifi.com -
C. Explore Free Content: Once on the portal, you'll immediately have access to Southwest's free in-flight entertainment options. This includes:
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Live TV
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On-demand Movies
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TV Series
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Music (via iHeartRadio)
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Flight Tracker
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Free Messaging (iMessage and WhatsApp)
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Step 4: Purchasing Full Internet Access
If you want more than just entertainment and messaging, such as Browse websites, checking emails, or accessing social media beyond WhatsApp/iMessage, you'll need to purchase full internet access.
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A. Locate the "Purchase Internet" Option: On the Southwest In-Flight Entertainment Portal, you'll clearly see an option to "Purchase Internet" or something similar. Click on this.
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B. Understand the Cost: Southwest Wi-Fi costs $8 per device, per flight segment. This is an important distinction! If your itinerary involves a layover and a connecting flight, you'll need to pay $8 for each flight segment if you want continuous Wi-Fi access. For example, a flight from City A to City B, with a connection in City C, would cost you $8 for the A-B leg and another $8 for the B-C leg, totaling $16.
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Note: This pricing model changed in February 2023 from a "per day" to a "per flight" basis.
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C. Who Gets Free Wi-Fi? Not everyone has to pay! Southwest offers complimentary Wi-Fi for:
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A-List Preferred Members: If you've achieved this elite status with Southwest Rapid Rewards, your Wi-Fi is on the house.
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Business Select Passengers: Those who purchase a Business Select fare also enjoy free in-flight internet.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card Holders: If you have this specific credit card, you can get up to 365 $8 Wi-Fi credits annually. You pay with the card, and you'll receive a statement credit reimbursing the charge.
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T-Mobile Magenta and Magenta MAX Customers: Qualifying T-Mobile customers can access free in-flight Wi-Fi on most Southwest flights. You'll connect to the SouthwestWiFi network, select "T-Mobile" under the internet options, and log in using your T-Mobile credentials.
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D. Select Your Payment Method: Southwest accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases. You'll be prompted to enter your card details directly on the portal. Cash is generally not accepted for in-flight purchases.
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E. Complete the Purchase: Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize your payment. Once the transaction is complete, you'll gain access to the full internet service.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Connectivity!
Once your payment is processed, you're all set! You can now browse the web, check emails, use social media, and generally stay connected for the duration of your flight segment.
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A. Bandwidth Limitations: While Southwest Wi-Fi is generally reliable for Browse, emailing, and light streaming, be aware that it's not designed for high-bandwidth activities. Services like Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Zoom, and video conferencing applications are often blocked or experience significant slowdowns to ensure a stable experience for all passengers.
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B. Maintaining Connection: The connection should remain active for the entirety of your flight segment. If you experience any interruptions, try refreshing the portal page or reconnecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network.
Troubleshooting Tips
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are a few troubleshooting tips if you encounter issues:
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Cannot Connect to "SouthwestWiFi":
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Ensure Airplane Mode is on, and then Wi-Fi is specifically enabled.
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Try turning your device's Wi-Fi off and on again.
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Restart your device.
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Ask a flight attendant if Wi-Fi is operational on your specific aircraft. Sometimes, systems can be inoperative.
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Portal Not Loading:
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Manually type
www.southwestwifi.cominto your browser's address bar. -
Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again.
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Try a different web browser.
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Payment Issues:
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Double-check your credit card details for accuracy.
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Ensure you have sufficient funds or credit limit.
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Confirm your card is a major credit/debit card accepted by Southwest.
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If the issue persists, you might need to try a different card. In-flight support for payment issues is limited, so it's often best to troubleshoot with a different card or contact Southwest Customer Service after your flight if a charge was made in error.
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Slow Speeds/Blocked Content:
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As mentioned, high-bandwidth applications are restricted. Manage your expectations accordingly.
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If general Browse is slow, it could be due to the number of users onboard or satellite connectivity. Patience is key.
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10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to: Access free entertainment on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Connect your device to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and navigate to the in-flight entertainment portal (
How to: Send messages for free on Southwest flights?
Quick Answer: After connecting to "SouthwestWiFi" and accessing the portal, you can use iMessage and WhatsApp for free texting, provided these apps are already downloaded and activated on your device.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
How to: Determine if a Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
Quick Answer: Most Southwest flights are Wi-Fi enabled. You'll typically see signage onboard, or you can ask a flight attendant. If the "SouthwestWiFi" network appears in your device's Wi-Fi settings, it's available.
How to: Get complimentary Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Free Wi-Fi is offered to A-List Preferred members, Business Select passengers, and those who pay with a Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card (which offers statement credits). Qualifying T-Mobile Magenta/Magenta MAX customers also receive free Wi-Fi.
How to: Pay for Southwest Wi-Fi if I don't have a credit card?
Quick Answer: In-flight Wi-Fi purchases typically require a major credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted onboard. Consider purchasing a pre-paid credit card if this is a recurring need.
How to: Troubleshoot if Southwest Wi-Fi is not connecting?
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Quick Answer: Ensure Airplane Mode is on and Wi-Fi is enabled. Try turning Wi-Fi off and on, restarting your device, or manually typing
How to: Know the exact cost of Southwest Wi-Fi for my multi-leg journey?
Quick Answer: Southwest Wi-Fi costs $8 per device, per flight segment. If you have a connecting flight, you'll need to purchase Wi-Fi separately for each segment (e.g., two segments would cost $16).
How to: Use a Southwest LUV Voucher or Gift Card to pay for Wi-Fi?
Quick Answer: Currently, Southwest LUV Vouchers and Gift Cards are primarily for flight purchases and generally cannot be used directly for in-flight Wi-Fi. In-flight purchases typically require a credit or debit card.
How to: Stream services like Netflix or YouTube on Southwest Wi-Fi?
Quick Answer: Southwest Airlines' Wi-Fi is not designed for high-bandwidth streaming of services like Netflix or YouTube. These applications are often blocked or severely throttled to ensure general connectivity for all passengers.
How to: Get a refund for Southwest Wi-Fi if it didn't work?
Quick Answer: If you purchased Wi-Fi and experienced prolonged connectivity issues, contact Southwest Airlines Customer Relations after your flight. Be prepared to provide your flight details and a description of the problem.
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