Hey there, frequent flyer or first-timer! Ever found yourself cruising at 35,000 feet, desperately wanting to send that urgent email, scroll through social media, or just stream some tunes, and wondered, “How much is internet on Southwest Airlines, anyway?” You're not alone! Staying connected in the sky has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity for many of us.
Southwest Airlines, known for its unique open-seating policy and "Bags Fly Free" philosophy, also offers in-flight internet and entertainment. Let's break down exactly how much it costs and how you can make the most of your connectivity while soaring above the clouds.
Unpacking Southwest Airlines' In-Flight Internet: Cost and Connectivity
While some airlines are moving towards free Wi-Fi for all, Southwest takes a slightly different approach. They offer a mix of complimentary entertainment and a paid internet service. Knowing the nuances can save you time and money.
Step 1: Are You on a Wi-Fi-Enabled Flight? (Engage!)
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of costs, let's start with a crucial question: Are you on a Southwest flight that actually has Wi-Fi? Believe it or not, while most of their fleet is equipped, it's always a good idea to confirm. You'll typically see "SouthwestWiFi" as an available network in your device's Wi-Fi settings once you're onboard and at cruising altitude. If you don't see it, or if a flight attendant mentions it's unavailable, then the internet portion of this guide won't apply to your current flight.
Don't worry though, even without paid internet, Southwest often offers a fantastic selection of free entertainment!
Step 2: Understanding the Cost Structure
Southwest Airlines has a clear and straightforward pricing model for its internet service.
The Flat Fee: $8 per device, per flight
This is the core of their internet pricing. For just $8, you can get internet access for a single device for the duration of that specific flight segment.
Important Note on Connecting Flights: This is a crucial detail! Unlike some airlines that might offer a "day pass," Southwest's $8 fee is per flight segment. This means if you have a connecting flight with a layover, you'll need to pay an additional $8 for each subsequent flight to stay connected. So, a two-leg journey would cost you $16 for continuous internet access.
What About Free Options? (Yes, there are some!)
Southwest Airlines is quite generous with its free in-flight entertainment and messaging options. You can access a lot without paying a dime for the full internet service.
Free Live TV: Catch up on your favorite shows or sports events with a selection of live TV channels.
Free On-Demand Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of movies and TV series, all streamed directly to your device.
Free Messaging: Stay in touch with friends and family using iMessage (Apple) and WhatsApp. This is a fantastic perk for quick updates!
Free Music: Groove to tunes with iHeartRadio, available through their portal.
Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your journey's progress with the free flight tracker.
Step 3: Who Gets Free Wi-Fi on Southwest? (Spoiler: Not everyone!)
While the $8 fee applies to most passengers, there are a few special categories of travelers who can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Business Select Fares: If you've purchased a Business Select fare, full Wi-Fi services are included for free on your flight. This is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with other perks like priority boarding.
A-List Preferred Members: Southwest's elite A-List Preferred status comes with free in-flight Wi-Fi on all enabled aircraft. To earn this status, you typically need to fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card Holders: This specific credit card offers a fantastic benefit: 365 $8 Wi-Fi credits annually. This effectively gives you free Wi-Fi for virtually all your Southwest flights throughout the year. You just need to charge the Wi-Fi to this card, and you'll receive a statement credit.
Step 4: Connecting to Southwest Wi-Fi – A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the costs and what's free, let's get you connected!
4.1. Pre-Flight Preparations (Recommended)
Download the Southwest App: While not strictly necessary for Wi-Fi access, having the Southwest app on your device before you board is highly recommended. It can sometimes provide direct links to the entertainment portal and makes for a smoother experience.
4.2. Once You're Onboard and in the Air
Enable Airplane Mode: This is standard procedure for all flights. Go to your device's settings and turn on Airplane Mode.
Turn on Wi-Fi: While in Airplane Mode, manually switch your Wi-Fi back on.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": From the list of available Wi-Fi networks, choose "SouthwestWiFi."
Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal:
Option A (Automatic): Often, a new page will automatically appear with a link to
Southwestwifi.comor an option to "Access the Portal." Tap or click on this.Option B (Manual): If the portal doesn't load automatically, open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge are generally well-supported) and manually type in
www.southwestwifi.cominto the address bar.
Choose Your Connectivity: Once on the portal, you'll see options for the free entertainment (Live TV, movies, messaging, etc.) and the option to purchase full internet access for $8.
If you're an A-List Preferred member or have a Business Select fare, there will usually be a clear prompt to log in with your Rapid Rewards account to activate your free Wi-Fi.
If you're paying, follow the prompts to enter your payment information.
Step 5: Understanding Internet Performance (Expectations vs. Reality)
It's important to set realistic expectations when it comes to in-flight internet. While it's a huge convenience, it's generally not as fast or as reliable as your home internet.
Satellite-Based Connectivity: Southwest's Wi-Fi uses satellite technology, which can experience variations in speed and connectivity based on factors like the number of users on the flight, geographical location, and weather.
Speed Limitations: Don't expect to be streaming Netflix in high definition or engaging in bandwidth-intensive activities like video calls (which are often blocked anyway). Internet speeds are generally optimized for web Browse, email, and social media.
Blocked Applications: To maintain service quality for all passengers, Southwest typically blocks high-bandwidth applications and websites like:
Netflix
Hulu
Zoom/Video Conferencing
HBO Max
Other similar streaming services
It's always a good idea to download any movies, shows, or work documents you might need before your flight, just in case the Wi-Fi isn't up to par for your specific needs.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Tips (When Things Go Wrong)
Even with the best intentions, in-flight Wi-Fi can sometimes be finicky. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips:
Restart Your Device's Wi-Fi: Turn your device's Wi-Fi off and then back on.
Try a Different Browser: If you're having trouble accessing the portal, try a different web browser.
Check Airplane Mode Settings: Ensure Airplane Mode is on, but Wi-Fi is also explicitly enabled.
Reconnect to "SouthwestWiFi": Sometimes simply disconnecting and reconnecting to the network can resolve issues.
Move to a Less Congested Area (if possible): While you can't exactly pick your seat once airborne, if you notice many people around you struggling, it could be a bandwidth issue.
Contact a Flight Attendant: If all else fails, politely ask a flight attendant if they are aware of any known issues with the Wi-Fi system on your flight. They might have information or be able to offer a refund if the service is completely inoperable.
Seek a Refund Post-Flight: If you paid for Wi-Fi and it was consistently unusable, you can contact Southwest Airlines customer service after your flight to request a refund. Provide your flight details and a brief explanation of the issue. Many passengers have reported success with this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers:
How to check if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
You can generally tell if your Southwest flight has Wi-Fi by looking for the "SouthwestWiFi" network in your device's Wi-Fi settings once onboard and at cruising altitude. Most of their fleet is Wi-Fi enabled.
How to get free internet on Southwest Airlines?
You can get free internet on Southwest Airlines if you are a Business Select fare passenger, an A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards member, or if you hold the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card (which offers 365 annual Wi-Fi credits).
How to connect my phone to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi?
Switch your phone to Airplane Mode, then turn on Wi-Fi and select "SouthwestWiFi" from the network list. Open a web browser and go to www.southwestwifi.com to access the portal.
How to use iMessage and WhatsApp for free on Southwest?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, access the inflight entertainment portal (www.southwestwifi.com), and navigate to the free messaging section. You will be able to use iMessage and WhatsApp without purchasing the full internet package.
How to watch free movies on Southwest flights?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, access the inflight entertainment portal (www.southwestwifi.com), and select the "Movies" section. A variety of on-demand movies are available for free.
How to troubleshoot slow Wi-Fi on Southwest?
Try restarting your device's Wi-Fi, using a different web browser, ensuring Airplane Mode is on with Wi-Fi enabled, or disconnecting and reconnecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network. If persistent, consider contacting Southwest customer service post-flight for a refund.
How to get a refund for Southwest Wi-Fi if it didn't work?
After your flight, visit the Southwest Airlines customer service page online, provide your flight details, and explain the issue with the Wi-Fi service to request a refund.
How to know if I'm an A-List Preferred member for free Wi-Fi?
You can check your Rapid Rewards status by logging into your Southwest Airlines account on their website or through the mobile app. Your status (e.g., A-List, A-List Preferred, Companion Pass) will be displayed.
How to download content for offline viewing before a Southwest flight?
Before your flight, open your streaming apps (like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, etc.) and look for options to download movies, TV shows, or music to your device. This content will then be available to watch even without an internet connection.
How to pay for Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi?
Once connected to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and on the inflight entertainment portal, select the option to purchase full internet access. You'll be prompted to enter your credit card information to complete the $8 purchase.