Ready to get connected high above the clouds? Traveling with Southwest Airlines is known for its friendly service and open seating, but did you know you can also stay productive or entertained with their inflight Wi-Fi? Whether you're a business traveler needing to send urgent emails or simply want to catch up on your favorite shows, Southwest has you covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of getting Wi-Fi on your next Southwest flight.
Connecting to the Cloud: A Step-by-Step Guide to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi
Before we dive in, let's get one thing clear: Wi-Fi is available on all Southwest Airlines aircraft. That's right, no more wondering if your particular plane will have it! Now, let's make sure you're ready to connect.
Step 1: Prepare Your Device for Takeoff (and Wi-Fi!)
This is arguably the most important step. Don't wait until you're at cruising altitude to realize your device isn't ready!
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Charge, Charge, Charge! There's nothing worse than getting connected only to have your battery die. Southwest is actively adding USB-A and USB-C power ports to its newest planes, but many aircraft still do not have power outlets. So, a full charge is your best friend. Consider bringing a portable power bank for longer flights.
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Update Your Apps and OS: Ensure your device's operating system (Android 8+, iOS 12.0+, Windows 10) and web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge - latest versions) are up to date. Outdated software can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
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Download the Southwest App (Optional but Recommended): While you can access much of the inflight entertainment directly through your browser, the Southwest Airlines app can enhance your experience, especially for certain movies and on-demand TV content. Download it from your app store before you board.
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Pre-load Entertainment: While Southwest offers a fantastic array of free entertainment, if there are specific shows or movies from other streaming services you must watch, download them to your device before your flight. Southwest's Wi-Fi, while great for general Browse and messaging, prohibits access to high-bandwidth applications like Netflix, HBO Go, and VoIP services to maintain stable service for everyone.
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Messaging Apps: If you plan to use free messaging, make sure you have iMessage (for Apple devices) or WhatsApp downloaded and updated.
Step 2: Onboard and Ready to Connect!
You've found your seat, your bags are stowed, and the cabin doors are closed. Now it's time to bring your device online.
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Sub-heading: Engage Airplane Mode: As soon as you're seated and before takeoff, switch your device to Airplane Mode. This is a crucial safety step and is required by airlines.
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Sub-heading: Turn on Wi-Fi: While in Airplane Mode, manually turn on your Wi-Fi. This allows your device to search for available networks without interfering with the plane's systems.
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Sub-heading: Select "SouthwestWiFi": Open your device's Wi-Fi settings. You should see "SouthwestWiFi" or something similar in the list of available networks. Tap on it to connect. You don't need a password for this initial connection.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Step 3: Accessing the Inflight Entertainment Portal
Once connected to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, your journey to connectivity begins!
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Sub-heading: Automatic Portal Launch: Often, your device will automatically redirect you to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment & Internet Portal. If it does, great! Proceed to the next step.
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Sub-heading: Manual Portal Access: If the portal doesn't load automatically, don't fret! Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) and manually type in:
www.southwestwifi.com -
Sub-heading: Explore Your Options: Once on the portal, you'll see a clear layout of your choices. Southwest offers a fantastic mix of free and paid services.
Step 4: Choose Your Connectivity Experience
Southwest Airlines provides various options to keep you entertained and connected.
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Sub-heading: Enjoy Free Inflight Entertainment: This is a huge perk on Southwest! The Inflight Entertainment Portal offers:
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Live TV: Tune into popular channels like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV.
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On-Demand TV Series: Catch up on a wide variety of shows.
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Movies: A regularly updated library of new releases and classic favorites.
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Music: Access iHeartRadio for free streaming.
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Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your journey with real-time flight updates.
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Free Messaging: This is a game-changer! You can send and receive messages via iMessage and WhatsApp without purchasing full internet access. This is perfect for quick updates to friends and family.
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No app download is needed for Live TV, music, or general Wi-Fi access via Southwestwifi.com. However, as mentioned earlier, some movies and on-demand TV content may require the Southwest app.
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Sub-heading: Opt for Full Internet Access (Paid Service): If you need to browse the web, check emails, or use other social media platforms, you can purchase full internet access.
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Cost: The cost for full internet access is $8 per device, per flight segment. This means if you have a connecting flight, you'll need to purchase Wi-Fi separately for each segment. It used to be per day, but changed to per flight segment in February 2023.
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Payment: The portal will guide you through the payment process. You'll likely be able to pay with a credit card.
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Limitations: Remember, even with paid Wi-Fi, Southwest blocks high-bandwidth applications like Netflix, HBO Max, Zoom, and other video conferencing services to ensure a stable connection for all users.
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Sub-heading: Free Wi-Fi for Elite Members and Specific Cardholders:
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A-List Preferred Members: If you've achieved Southwest's A-List Preferred status, you enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access on all Southwest flights. This is a fantastic benefit for frequent flyers!
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Holders: If you have this specific credit card, you can charge the $8 Wi-Fi fee to your card, and you'll receive a statement credit to reimburse the charges, up to 365 times per year. Essentially, it's free Wi-Fi!
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Step 5: Enjoy Your Connected Flight!
Once you've chosen your option and completed any necessary payment or login, you're all set! Enjoy your flight, whether you're catching up on work, streaming a movie, or just keeping in touch with loved ones on the ground.
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Troubleshooting Tip: If you encounter any issues, try refreshing the portal page or briefly toggling your Wi-Fi off and back on. If problems persist, a quick chat with a Flight Attendant might help determine if there's a broader issue with the system.
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| How Do You Get Wi-fi On Southwest Airlines |
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Here are 10 common questions about getting Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to access Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi on my phone?
Simply enable Airplane Mode, turn on Wi-Fi, select "SouthwestWiFi" from your network list, and then open your browser to southwestwifi.com.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
A-List Preferred members receive free Wi-Fi. Additionally, holders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card can get the $8 Wi-Fi fee reimbursed via a statement credit. Free inflight entertainment, live TV, and messaging (iMessage/WhatsApp) are available to all.
How to pay for Wi-Fi on Southwest flights?
You can purchase full internet access for $8 per device per flight directly through the Southwest Inflight Entertainment & Internet Portal using a credit card.
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How to know if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
All Southwest Airlines aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi. So, regardless of your flight, you can expect Wi-Fi availability.
How to watch movies on Southwest Wi-Fi?
Connect to "SouthwestWiFi", go to southwestwifi.com, and access the free Inflight Entertainment Portal. You can stream a wide variety of movies directly in your browser. For some specific content, downloading the Southwest app beforehand is recommended.
How to text on Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi for free?
You can use iMessage (for Apple devices) and WhatsApp to send and receive text messages for free through the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal. Make sure these apps are downloaded before your flight.
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How to troubleshoot Southwest Wi-Fi if it's not working?
First, try refreshing the portal page or turning your device's Wi-Fi off and back on. Ensure you're in Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi enabled. If the issue persists, politely inform a Flight Attendant.
How to check the cost of Southwest Wi-Fi?
Full internet access costs $8 per device per flight segment. This information will be clearly displayed on the Southwest Inflight Entertainment & Internet Portal when you attempt to purchase.
How to get full internet access on Southwest Airlines?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, navigate to southwestwifi.com, and choose the paid internet access option for $8 per device per flight.
How to connect multiple devices to Southwest Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is typically $8 per device per flight segment. If you wish to connect multiple devices, you will need to purchase separate access for each, unless you are an A-List Preferred member or using the eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, which may offer multi-device benefits.
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