Flying with Southwest Airlines is known for its unique "Bags Fly Free" policy and open seating, but did you know they also offer a fantastic array of in-flight entertainment? Forget struggling with tiny seat-back screens or worrying about dead batteries on your own devices. Southwest leverages the power of your own personal electronics to bring movies, live TV, and more directly to you.
Ready to transform your next Southwest flight into a personal cinema or productivity hub? Let's dive in!
Your Personal Entertainment Hub: How to Watch Entertainment on Southwest Airlines
We've all been there: settled into our seat, seatbelt fastened, and then the inevitable question pops up – "What am I going to do for the next few hours?" Southwest Airlines has you covered with a surprisingly robust and mostly free in-flight entertainment portal. The best part? You access it all on your own device – your smartphone, tablet, or laptop!
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| How Do You Watch Entertainment On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Get Prepared Before You Go! (This is crucial!)
Think of your flight as a mini-vacation, and just like any good trip, preparation is key! This first step is perhaps the most important to ensure a smooth and enjoyable entertainment experience.
Sub-heading: Download the Southwest Airlines Mobile App
Before you even leave for the airport, make sure you have the official Southwest Airlines mobile app downloaded and installed on your smartphone or tablet. * Why is this so important? While you can access some content through a web browser, the app often provides a more seamless and reliable experience for streaming movies and on-demand TV shows. It's your gateway to a vast library of entertainment.
Sub-heading: Charge Your Devices!
This might seem obvious, but it's easily overlooked in the rush of travel. Southwest primarily relies on you using your own devices for entertainment, and while newer aircraft are being equipped with USB charging ports, they aren't available on all planes. * Fully charge your phone, tablet, or laptop before you board. * Consider bringing a portable power bank (fully charged, of course!). This can be a lifesaver, especially on longer flights or if you're planning to use your device extensively. Remember to keep power banks in your carry-on luggage and accessible, as per airline regulations.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
Sub-heading: Pack Your Headphones
You will need your own headphones or earbuds to enjoy any audio content on the entertainment portal. Southwest does not provide complimentary headphones. * Noise-canceling headphones can significantly enhance your experience by blocking out engine noise and chatter, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your chosen entertainment.
Step 2: Connecting to the Southwest WiFi Network (It's Free for Entertainment!)
Once you're airborne and the "fasten seatbelt" sign is off, you can begin the process of connecting to the in-flight entertainment.
Sub-heading: Enable Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi
Switch to Airplane Mode: On your device, go to your settings and turn on Airplane Mode. This is standard procedure on all flights.
Turn on Wi-Fi: After enabling Airplane Mode, turn on your Wi-Fi. Do not turn off Airplane Mode.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": Look for the Wi-Fi network named "SouthwestWiFi" in your list of available networks and select it. Your device should connect automatically.
Sub-heading: Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal
Open Your Browser: Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi," open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
Go to SouthwestWiFi.com: In the address bar, type southwestwifi.com and hit enter. This will take you directly to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal.
Alternatively, Use the App: If you downloaded the Southwest Airlines app (as recommended in Step 1!), you may be prompted to open the entertainment portal directly through the app once connected to the Wi-Fi. This is often the smoothest way to access the content.
Step 3: Exploring Your Entertainment Options (Mostly Free & Fantastic!)
Congratulations! You're now connected to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal. Get ready to enjoy a variety of content.
Sub-heading: Free Entertainment Galore!
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
Southwest offers a generous selection of free entertainment for all passengers. This includes:
Movies: A rotating selection of movies, including new releases and popular titles. The library is updated regularly, so there's usually something new to discover.
Live TV: Access to popular live TV channels. Please note: Due to licensing restrictions, live TV may not be available for the full duration of international flights.
On-Demand TV Series: A variety of TV series episodes to binge-watch.
Music: Enjoy free music streaming via iHeartRadio.
Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your flight's progress with a real-time flight tracker.
Free Messaging: Stay connected with friends and family using iMessage and WhatsApp (you must have these apps downloaded and activated before connecting to Southwest Wi-Fi). This is a fantastic perk for staying in touch!
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Sub-heading: Paid Wi-Fi for Full Internet Access
While the entertainment and messaging are free, if you need full internet access for Browse, email, or social media beyond iMessage and WhatsApp, you can purchase it.
Cost: Full internet access typically costs $8 per device, per flight.
Exclusions: Be aware that Southwest blocks high-bandwidth applications like Netflix, Zoom, and HBO Max to ensure stable connectivity for all passengers. So, if you were planning to stream your own Netflix shows, you'll need to download them before your flight.
Free Wi-Fi for Elite Members: If you're a Southwest Business Select fare passenger or hold A-List Preferred elite status, full Wi-Fi access is complimentary. Also, certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards may offer Wi-Fi credits.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Flight!
Now that you're all set up, sit back, relax, and enjoy your personalized entertainment experience. Whether you're catching up on a movie, watching live sports, or just tracking your journey, Southwest makes flying more enjoyable.
Pro Tip: If you encounter any issues, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, or refreshing the southwestwifi.com page in your browser. Sometimes a quick refresh is all it takes!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about watching entertainment on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to access free movies on Southwest Airlines?
To access free movies, connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, then open your browser and go to southwestwifi.com, or launch the Southwest Airlines mobile app.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
Basic Wi-Fi for entertainment (movies, live TV, music) and messaging (iMessage, WhatsApp) is free for all passengers. Full internet access is free for Business Select passengers and A-List Preferred members, or can be purchased for $8 per device, per flight.
How to prepare my device for Southwest in-flight entertainment?
Before your flight, download the Southwest Airlines mobile app, fully charge your devices (phone, tablet, laptop), and pack your own headphones or earbuds.
How to know if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi and entertainment?
Most Southwest flights are Wi-Fi-enabled. You'll typically find information about Wi-Fi availability on your flight status or by asking a flight attendant once onboard.
How to troubleshoot connectivity issues with Southwest Wi-Fi?
If you're having trouble connecting, try turning Airplane Mode off and on again, then reconnecting to "SouthwestWiFi." You can also try refreshing southwestwifi.com in your browser.
How to charge my phone on a Southwest flight?
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
Newer Southwest aircraft are being equipped with USB-A and USB-C charging ports. However, these are not available on all planes, so it's always best to come with fully charged devices and a portable power bank.
How to watch live TV on Southwest Airlines?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and access the Inflight Entertainment Portal via southwestwifi.com or the Southwest Airlines app. Live TV channels are available for free.
How to use iMessage or WhatsApp on a Southwest flight for free?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network. As long as you have iMessage or WhatsApp downloaded and activated on your device before your flight, you can use them for free messaging through the portal.
How to purchase full internet access on Southwest Airlines?
Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi" and on the entertainment portal (southwestwifi.com), you'll see an option to purchase full internet access for $8 per device, per flight.
How to watch Netflix or other streaming services on Southwest Wi-Fi?
Southwest's Wi-Fi service blocks high-bandwidth applications like Netflix, HBO Max, and Zoom to maintain network stability. To watch content from these services, you must download it to your device before your flight.
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