Dreaming of a cinematic escape at 30,000 feet? Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic inflight entertainment experience, and the best part is, a lot of it is free! While they don't have seatback screens, your personal device becomes your portal to a world of movies, TV shows, and even live TV. Let's dive into exactly how you can turn your next Southwest flight into a private screening.
Your Inflight Cinema Awaits: A Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Movies on Southwest Airlines
Are you ready to transform your flight into a binge-watching session or catch up on the latest blockbusters? Excellent! Let's get you set up for an enjoyable journey.
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| How To Watch Movies On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Prepare Your Personal Device BEFORE You Board
This is perhaps the most crucial step! Southwest's entertainment is streamed directly to your own device. This means no tiny, unresponsive seatback screens, but also no rental devices.
Charge It Up! Make sure your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged. While Southwest is gradually adding USB-A and USB-C power ports to newer aircraft, the majority of their fleet may not yet have them. You don't want your movie marathon cut short by a dead battery!
Download the Southwest App (Optional, but Highly Recommended): While you can access movies and TV shows through your web browser, some content, particularly select on-demand TV content, may require the Southwest Airlines mobile app. Download it from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) before you leave for the airport. This also enables free messaging via iMessage and WhatsApp.
Pack Your Headphones: This is a non-negotiable. To enjoy any audio from your device, whether it's movies, TV shows, or music, you must have headphones or earbuds. Southwest does not sell them onboard. Noise-canceling headphones can significantly enhance your experience by blocking out cabin noise.
Consider a Device Stand/Holder: Holding your device for an entire movie can be tiring. A small, portable stand or clip designed for airplane tray tables can make your viewing much more comfortable.
Step 2: Connecting to the Southwest Inflight Wi-Fi Network
Once you're settled in your seat and the aircraft is preparing for departure, it's time to connect to the digital world.
Enable Airplane Mode: As soon as you're instructed, switch your device to Airplane Mode. This is standard procedure for all flights.
Turn On Wi-Fi: Even in Airplane Mode, you can usually turn on your device's Wi-Fi. Do so now.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": Open your device's Wi-Fi settings and look for the network named "SouthwestWiFi". Tap to connect. You won't need a password.
Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal:
Often, a new page will automatically pop up prompting you to access the portal or directing you to southwestwifi.com. Simply tap the link or click "Access the portal."
If it doesn't automatically load, open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) and type
www.southwestwifi.com
Step 3: Navigating the Inflight Entertainment Portal
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Welcome to your personalized inflight entertainment hub! The Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal is designed to be user-friendly.
Look for the "Movies" Section: On the portal's homepage, you'll see various sections. Look for one clearly labeled "Movies" or "Films."
Browse the Selection: Southwest offers a wide variety of movies, including new releases and long-time customer favorites. The selection is regularly updated. You'll find genres ranging from action and adventure to comedy, drama, and family films.
Start Streaming! Once you've found a movie you want to watch, simply tap on it. The movie will stream directly in your browser – no downloads or sign-ups required.
Sub-heading: What's Free and What's Not?
It's important to understand the difference between Southwest's free entertainment and its paid internet access:
Free Entertainment: This includes the full library of movies, a selection of on-demand TV series, live TV channels (availability may vary, especially on international flights), a flight tracker, and free messaging via iMessage and WhatsApp. You do NOT need to purchase Wi-Fi to access these free entertainment options.
Paid Internet Access: If you want to browse the web, check emails, access social media (beyond iMessage and WhatsApp), or use other high-bandwidth applications, you'll need to purchase internet access. This typically costs $8 per device, per flight (price subject to change). Note: Southwest often blocks high-bandwidth streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max to ensure stable connectivity for all passengers. So, if you plan to use those, download your content before you fly!
Step 4: Enjoy Your Movie!
Lean back, relax, and enjoy your chosen film. With your headphones on, you'll be immersed in the story, making the time fly by.
Adjust Volume: Use your device's volume controls to set the audio to a comfortable level.
Full Screen Mode: Most video players in the browser will have an option to go full screen for a better viewing experience.
Pause and Resume: You can pause your movie if you need a break or if a flight attendant comes by. You should be able to resume from where you left off.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Tips (Just in Case!)
While Southwest's system is generally reliable, here are a few quick tips if you encounter issues:
Refresh the Page: If the video freezes or doesn't load, try refreshing your browser page.
Check Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure you're still connected to the "SouthwestWiFi" network.
Restart Your Device (Last Resort): Sometimes a quick restart of your phone or tablet can resolve minor connectivity glitches.
Ask a Flight Attendant: If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to politely ask a flight attendant if they can assist.
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Step 5: Making the Most of Your Flight Experience
Watching movies is just one part of Southwest's inflight entertainment. Don't forget to explore other free offerings!
Live TV: Catch up on news, sports, or your favorite shows with a selection of live TV channels like ABC, CNN, ESPN, FOX, and more.
On-Demand TV Series: Beyond movies, there's often a collection of popular TV series episodes available on demand.
Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your journey with the real-time flight tracker. It's often fascinating to see where you are and how much flight time remains.
Free Messaging: Stay connected with friends and family on the ground using iMessage and WhatsApp (remember to have these apps downloaded before your flight!).
Music (iHeartRadio): Southwest has partnered with iHeartRadio, offering a selection of music and podcasts to enjoy.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy a fantastic array of entertainment on your next Southwest flight. Happy travels and happy viewing!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to access Southwest Airlines' inflight entertainment?
To access Southwest's inflight entertainment, turn on Airplane Mode and then Wi-Fi on your device, connect to "SouthwestWiFi," and then open your browser to southwestwifi.com.
How to download movies before a Southwest flight?
You don't need to download movies from Southwest; they stream directly to your device via their inflight portal. However, if you want to watch movies from other streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, you must download them to your device before your flight, as Southwest's paid Wi-Fi typically blocks these services.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
How to use the Southwest Airlines app for entertainment?
Download the Southwest Airlines app from your device's app store before your flight. While much of the entertainment is accessible via southwestwifi.com in your browser, the app is specifically recommended for viewing certain movies and on-demand TV content, and also enables free iMessage and WhatsApp texting.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
All inflight entertainment, including movies, live TV, and on-demand TV, is free to access on Southwest Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft. Full internet access (for Browse, email, etc.) costs $8 per device per flight, but is free for Business Select passengers and A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards members.
How to connect headphones for Southwest inflight movies?
Simply plug your wired headphones into your device or connect your Bluetooth headphones to your device as you normally would. Southwest does not provide headphones, and they are required for listening to audio entertainment.
How to find out if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Most Southwest aircraft are Wi-Fi enabled. You can typically assume your domestic flight will have Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment. For the most up-to-date information, you can check with a gate agent or consult Southwest's official website.
How to watch live TV on Southwest flights?
Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi" and on the southwestwifi.com portal, look for the "Live TV" section. A variety of popular channels, such as CNN, ESPN, and FOX, are usually available for free.
How to fix buffering issues with Southwest inflight movies?
If you experience buffering, first ensure you have a strong connection to "SouthwestWiFi." Try refreshing your browser page or closing and reopening the browser. If issues persist, it might be due to a high number of users on the network, which is difficult to resolve mid-flight.
How to charge my device on a Southwest flight?
While Southwest is in the process of adding USB-A and USB-C power ports to new and retrofitted aircraft, many planes do not yet have them. It is highly recommended to fully charge your device before boarding your flight.
How to watch movies on Southwest Airlines without the app?
Yes, you can watch many movies and access live TV directly through your device's web browser by navigating to southwestwifi.com after connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network. However, for the full range of content, including some specific on-demand TV, the Southwest app is recommended.
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