Hey there, movie buff! Ever found yourself settled into your Southwest Airlines seat, the engines humming, and that familiar thought pops into your head: How am I going to entertain myself for the next few hours? Well, you're in luck! Southwest Airlines has made it incredibly easy to catch a film or binge a show right from your own device, and the best part? It's absolutely free! Let's dive into exactly how you can turn your flight into your personal cinema.
Your Personal Movie Theater in the Sky: A Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Movies on Southwest Airlines
Southwest doesn't offer seatback screens, so your personal device is your gateway to entertainment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy movies and more onboard.
Step 1: Prepare Your Device Before You Fly (Crucial!)
Got your device? Whether it's your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, make sure it's fully charged! Southwest planes are beginning to roll out in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C ports), but it's not yet fleet-wide. Don't get caught with a dead battery mid-movie! Consider bringing a portable charger or power bank for longer flights.
Download the Southwest Airlines App (Highly Recommended): While you can access the entertainment portal through your web browser, the Southwest app often provides a smoother, more integrated experience.
For Apple devices (iOS), download it from the Apple App Store.
For Android devices, grab it from the Google Play Store.
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version! Outdated apps can sometimes cause connectivity or streaming issues.
Check Device Compatibility: Generally, most modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops will work.
Apple devices: iOS 12.0+
Android devices: Android 8+
Windows Laptops: Windows 10
Mac Laptops: OSX 10.10+
Supported Browsers (if not using the app): Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge (latest versions are always best).
Step 2: Connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" Network
Once you're onboard and the flight attendants give the all-clear for electronic devices, it's time to get connected.
Activate Airplane Mode, Then Wi-Fi:
Go to your device's Settings.
Turn on Airplane Mode. This will disable cellular data and Bluetooth.
Immediately after, turn on your Wi-Fi.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": In your Wi-Fi network list, you should see "SouthwestWiFi." Tap or click on it to connect.
Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal:
Often, the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal will automatically pop up in your browser once you connect.
If it doesn't, simply open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) and type in
www.SouthwestWiFi.com Pro Tip: Some users, especially on iPhones/iPads, have reported issues with "Private Wi-Fi Address" interfering. If you encounter problems, try toggling this setting OFF in your Wi-Fi settings for the "SouthwestWiFi" network.
Step 3: Navigating the Inflight Entertainment Portal
You're connected! Now the fun begins. The portal is your hub for all things entertainment.
Free Entertainment is King: Southwest prides itself on offering free inflight entertainment. This includes a wide selection of movies, TV series on demand, and even live TV channels. You do not need to purchase Wi-Fi to access these entertainment options.
Browse the Movie Library: Look for the "Movies" section. Southwest updates its movie selection regularly, featuring both new releases and popular favorites across various genres like comedy, drama, family, action, and more.
You might be surprised by the variety! They often have a good mix of recent blockbusters and classic films.
Select Your Movie: Click on the movie you want to watch. It should start streaming directly in your browser or within the Southwest app.
No downloads or sign-ups are required to watch the free entertainment!
Step 4: Enhancing Your Movie-Watching Experience
To make sure your inflight cinema experience is as good as it can be, consider these points:
Headphones are a Must: This is non-negotiable! Always bring your own headphones. Southwest does not sell headphones onboard, and it's essential to be considerate of your fellow passengers.
Device Stand (Optional but Recommended): If you're watching on a tablet or phone, a small, collapsible stand can make viewing much more comfortable, allowing you to go hands-free.
Battery Life Management: Even with some planes getting charging ports, relying solely on them isn't ideal. Keep an eye on your device's battery and use that portable charger if needed.
Understanding Wi-Fi Limitations (for paid internet): While the entertainment is free, if you choose to purchase internet access for Browse, emailing, or social media ($8 per device, per flight, subject to change), be aware that Southwest may prohibit access to certain high-bandwidth applications and websites like Netflix, HBO Go, or VoIP services to ensure a better experience for all users. This won't affect the free movies provided on their portal.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues (Just in Case!)
Sometimes technology can be finicky. If you run into a snag, try these quick fixes:
Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Disconnect from "SouthwestWiFi" and then reconnect.
Refresh the Portal: Close your browser or the Southwest app and try opening
www.SouthwestWiFi.com Restart Your Device: A classic tech solution, but often effective.
Check "Private Wi-Fi Address" (iOS/iPadOS): As mentioned, try turning this setting off for the "SouthwestWiFi" network if you're on an Apple device and having trouble connecting or accessing content.
Ensure App is Updated: If you're using the Southwest app, double-check that it's the latest version.
Ask a Flight Attendant: While they aren't IT support, they might be aware of any widespread issues with the system on that particular flight.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a fantastic movie experience high above the clouds on your next Southwest Airlines flight! Happy viewing!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about watching movies on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to know if my flight has inflight entertainment?
Southwest states that inflight entertainment, including movies, is available on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Most of their fleet is equipped with Wi-Fi, but you can typically check if your specific flight has Wi-Fi by visiting
How to access free movies on Southwest Airlines?
To access free movies, simply connect your personal device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and then navigate to
How to connect to Southwest Wi-Fi for movies?
Turn on Airplane Mode on your device, then enable Wi-Fi and select "SouthwestWiFi" from the network list. Once connected, open your browser and go to
How to download movies before a Southwest flight?
You cannot download Southwest's inflight movies beforehand. They are streamed onboard. However, you can download movies from your own streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+) to your device before your flight if you want to watch content offline without needing Wi-Fi.
How to use headphones for Southwest inflight movies?
You must bring your own headphones. Simply plug them into your device's headphone jack (if it has one) or connect your Bluetooth headphones to your device as usual. Southwest does not provide or sell headphones onboard.
How to troubleshoot issues watching movies on Southwest?
If you have trouble, try disconnecting and reconnecting to "SouthwestWiFi," refreshing the portal page (
How to watch live TV on Southwest Airlines?
Just like movies, live TV is part of the free inflight entertainment portal. Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi" and on the portal (
How to know what movies are available on Southwest?
Southwest regularly updates its movie selection. You can often find a list of current movie offerings on the Southwest Airlines website under their Inflight Entertainment section, or directly on the Inflight Entertainment Portal once you're connected onboard.
How to charge my device on a Southwest flight?
Southwest is rolling out in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C ports) on some aircraft, but it's not yet available on all planes. It's highly recommended to charge your device fully before your flight and bring a portable charger as a backup.
How to watch movies on Southwest if I don't have the app?
While the app is recommended for a smoother experience, you can still watch movies by connecting to "SouthwestWiFi" and navigating to
