Ever wonder how to stay connected to the digital world even when you're soaring above the clouds on a Southwest Airlines flight? Whether it's catching up on work emails, chatting with loved ones, or just scrolling through social media, having internet access can make a long flight fly by. Good news: Southwest Airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi on most of its flights! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, so you can connect with ease.
Let's dive right in and get you connected!
Connecting to Southwest Airlines In-Flight Wi-Fi: Your Step-by-Step Guide
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| How To Pay For Wifi On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Prepare Your Device Before Takeoff
Before you even step foot on the plane, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth Wi-Fi experience.
Sub-heading: Device Compatibility & Updates
Check your device's operating system: Ensure your smartphone, tablet, or laptop has a relatively recent operating system. Southwest generally supports:
Android 8+ enabled devices
Apple products with OS 12.0+
Microsoft Windows 10
Update your browsers: Make sure your web browsers (Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, etc.) are updated to their latest versions. Outdated browsers can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
Download the Southwest App (Optional, but Recommended for Entertainment): While not strictly necessary for paid internet access, the Southwest app is essential for accessing a wider range of free in-flight entertainment, including movies and select on-demand TV content. Download it from your app store before your flight.
Sub-heading: Charging Your Device
Charge, charge, charge! There's nothing worse than getting connected only to have your battery die. Ensure your device is fully charged before boarding. While some newer Southwest aircraft may have power outlets, it's not guaranteed on every plane. A portable power bank is a fantastic travel companion!
Step 2: Boarding and Activating Airplane Mode
Once you're on the plane and settled into your seat, it's time to get your device ready for flight.
Sub-heading: Airplane Mode First!
Enable Airplane Mode: As soon as the cabin crew announces it, switch your device to airplane mode. This is crucial for flight safety.
Turn on Wi-Fi within Airplane Mode: After enabling airplane mode, you can then turn on your Wi-Fi. Most devices allow you to have Wi-Fi active while in airplane mode. This is the correct sequence.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
Step 3: Connecting to the Southwest Wi-Fi Network
Now that your device is in the right mode, let's find the Southwest Wi-Fi network.
Sub-heading: Locating "SouthwestWiFi"
Open your device's Wi-Fi settings: Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": You should see "SouthwestWiFi" appear in the list of available networks. Tap or click on it to connect.
Step 4: Accessing the Southwest In-Flight Entertainment Portal
Once connected to the Wi-Fi network, you'll need to navigate to the Southwest portal.
Sub-heading: Launching the Portal
Open your web browser: Launch your preferred internet browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.).
Automatic Redirect or Manual Entry: In most cases, your browser will automatically redirect you to the Southwest In-flight Entertainment Portal (
www.southwestwifi.com Manual Entry (If needed): If it doesn't redirect automatically, simply type
www.southwestwifi.com
Step 5: Choosing Your Wi-Fi Option (Free vs. Paid)
Welcome to the Southwest In-flight Entertainment Portal! Here, you'll see your options.
Sub-heading: Free Entertainment Options
Southwest offers a fantastic range of free entertainment! This includes:
Live TV channels (like ESPN, CNN, HGTV)
On-demand TV shows and movies (though some movies may require the Southwest app)
Free messaging via iMessage and WhatsApp (you'll need to agree to terms within the portal and have these apps downloaded before your flight)
Flight tracker to see your progress
You can enjoy all of these without paying a cent!
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
Sub-heading: Purchasing Internet Access
Locate the "Internet Access" option: On the portal, you'll find an option to purchase full internet access.
Cost: As of 2025, Southwest charges $8 per device, per flight for internet access.
Important Note: This means if you have a connecting flight, you'll need to pay $8 for each leg of your journey if you wish to have Wi-Fi for the entire trip. This is a change from their previous "per day" pricing model.
Click to purchase: Select the option to buy internet access. You will be prompted to enter your payment details.
Sub-heading: Payment Methods
Southwest generally accepts major credit cards. You'll typically need to provide:
Credit Card Number
Expiration Date
Security Code (CVV)
Cardholder Name (as it appears on the card)
Billing Zip Code
Some users have reported other payment options being available, such as Apple Pay, Venmo, or PayPal, so keep an eye out for those too!
Step 6: Confirming Your Purchase and Enjoying Connectivity
Once you've entered your payment details and confirmed the purchase, you're all set!
Sub-heading: Confirmation and Connection
Confirmation screen: You should see a confirmation that your purchase was successful.
Start Browse: You can now minimize the portal and open a new browser tab or an application to start using the internet.
Sub-heading: Wi-Fi Limitations
While Southwest's Wi-Fi is great for general Browse, email, and social media, be aware of some limitations:
No High-Bandwidth Streaming: Southwest typically blocks access to high-bandwidth applications and websites like Netflix, HBO Go, YouTube, and video conferencing services (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom) to ensure a more stable experience for all passengers. If you want to watch movies, use their free in-flight entertainment portal instead!
Availability: While most of Southwest's fleet is Wi-Fi enabled, availability and speed can vary based on the aircraft, flight route, and the number of users. Wi-Fi on international flights may only be available during the domestic portion.
Reliability: In-flight Wi-Fi, across all airlines, can sometimes be spotty. Be prepared with downloaded entertainment as a backup in case the Wi-Fi isn't working as expected.
Getting Free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines
Did you know there are ways to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest?
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Status
Earn A-List Preferred Status: If you are a Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, you automatically get complimentary Wi-Fi access on all Wi-Fi-enabled Southwest flights. This status is typically earned by flying a certain number of qualifying one-way flights or earning a specific amount of tier-qualifying points in a calendar year.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Sub-heading: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
Use the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: This credit card offers a fantastic perk: 365 $8 Wi-Fi credits annually. Simply pay for your Wi-Fi with this card, and you'll receive a statement credit to reimburse the charge. It's essentially free Wi-Fi for a year!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi, starting with "How to":
How to connect to Southwest Wi-Fi?
Connect by switching your device to airplane mode, then turning on Wi-Fi, selecting "SouthwestWiFi" from your network list, and navigating to
How to pay for Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
You can pay for Wi-Fi directly through the Southwest In-flight Entertainment Portal (
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
You can get free Wi-Fi if you are a Southwest A-List Preferred member or if you pay for it using the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, which offers 365 annual Wi-Fi credits.
How much does Wi-Fi cost on Southwest Airlines?
Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines costs $8 per device, per flight. If you have a connecting flight, you will need to pay $8 for each segment.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
How to access free movies on Southwest Airlines?
Access free movies by connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and then going to
How to troubleshoot Southwest Wi-Fi not working?
First, ensure your device is in airplane mode with Wi-Fi enabled. Try disabling "Private Wi-Fi Address" on iPhones/iPads. If issues persist, the Wi-Fi may be temporarily unavailable or unreliable on that particular flight. Always have downloaded content as a backup.
How to know if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
Most Southwest flights are Wi-Fi enabled. You'll typically see signage on board or be able to connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network in your device's settings once the cabin crew allows electronics use.
How to use iMessage or WhatsApp on Southwest Wi-Fi?
Connect to "SouthwestWiFi," go to
How to watch Netflix or YouTube on Southwest Wi-Fi?
You cannot directly stream Netflix, YouTube, or other high-bandwidth services on Southwest Wi-Fi as they are typically blocked to ensure stable connectivity for all passengers. Download content before your flight if you wish to watch these.
How to prepare my device for Southwest Wi-Fi before the flight?
Charge your device fully, ensure your operating system and web browsers are updated, and download the Southwest app if you plan to access their free entertainment portal.
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