Dreaming of catching the latest blockbuster or binging a classic TV show while soaring through the skies on your next Southwest flight? You're in luck! Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic in-flight entertainment portal, and the best part is that many of its features, including movies, are absolutely free! While they don't have seatback screens, you can easily turn your personal device into your very own entertainment hub.
Let's dive into exactly how you can view movies on Southwest Airlines, ensuring your journey is as entertaining as your destination.
Your Gateway to Sky-High Entertainment: The Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal
Southwest Airlines provides a free Inflight Entertainment Portal accessible on your personal Wi-Fi-enabled devices. This portal isn't just for movies; it also offers live TV, on-demand TV series, music via iHeartRadio, a flight tracker, and even free messaging through iMessage and WhatsApp.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Movies on Southwest Airlines
Ready to get started? Let's walk through the simple steps to unlock your in-flight movie experience.
Step 1: Prepare Your Device BEFORE You Board! (This is crucial, don't skip it!)
Are you excited to watch movies on your flight? The first and most important step happens before you even set foot on the plane. * Download the Southwest Airlines App: To access the full range of free movies and on-demand TV content, you must download the official Southwest Airlines app onto your smartphone or tablet. You can find it on the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the Apple App Store (for iOS devices). * Why is this so important? While some content might be viewable directly in your browser, the app often provides a more seamless experience and access to the complete movie library. Plus, having it downloaded beforehand saves you the hassle of trying to do it with potentially spotty pre-flight airport Wi-Fi. * Charge Your Devices: Southwest planes are being updated with USB-A and USB-C power ports, but not all aircraft currently have them. To avoid a mid-movie power drain, ensure your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged before you board. Consider bringing a portable power bank for longer flights. * Bring Headphones: This might seem obvious, but it's often overlooked! You'll need your own headphones or earbuds to listen to the movie's audio. Southwest does not provide or sell headphones onboard.
Step 2: Connect to Southwest's Onboard Wi-Fi
Once you're settled in your seat and the aircraft is ready for departure (or even in the air, depending on the crew's announcement), it's time to connect.
Enable Airplane Mode: On your device, switch to Airplane Mode. This is a standard safety procedure for all flights.
Turn On Wi-Fi: After enabling Airplane Mode, manually turn on your Wi-Fi. This will allow your device to search for available networks.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": From the list of available Wi-Fi networks, choose "SouthwestWiFi". This is the official network for Southwest's in-flight services.
Step 3: Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal
Once connected to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, you're just a step away from movie magic.
Open Your Web Browser: Launch your preferred internet browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox) on your device.
Navigate to southwestwifi.com: In the address bar, type
www.southwestwifi.comand press Enter. This will take you directly to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal.Sometimes, the portal might automatically load once you connect to the Wi-Fi. If it doesn't, typing the URL is your reliable backup.
Explore the Portal: On the portal's homepage, you'll see various options for entertainment. Look for sections labeled "Movies" or "Free Movies."
Step 4: Select Your Movie and Enjoy!
Now for the fun part – choosing what to watch!
Browse the Movie Library: Southwest offers a diverse selection of movies, including new releases and classic favorites. Scroll through the available titles.
Keep in mind: The movie selection refreshes regularly, so there's always something new to discover.
Start Streaming: Tap on the movie you want to watch. The movie should begin streaming directly in your browser (or within the Southwest app if prompted).
No Downloads Required for Movies: Unlike some other entertainment services, Southwest's movies are generally streamable directly through the portal, meaning you don't need to pre-download them. However, having the app is still highly recommended for optimal experience.
Adjust Volume and Brightness: Don't forget to adjust your device's volume and screen brightness for the best viewing experience, especially if you're flying during the day.
Important Considerations for Your Movie-Watching Experience:
Wi-Fi for Full Internet Access: While movies and other entertainment are free, full internet access (for Browse websites, email, social media, etc.) typically costs $8 per device, per flight. This paid Wi-Fi is not required to watch the free movies.
International Flights: On Wi-Fi-enabled international flights, free live TV and iHeartRadio may not be available for the full duration due to licensing restrictions. However, movies are generally available.
High-Bandwidth Restrictions: Southwest blocks access to certain high-bandwidth applications and websites like Netflix, HBO Go, and VoIP services even if you purchase the full internet access, to maintain a top-notch Wi-Fi experience for all passengers. So, no streaming Netflix on their paid Wi-Fi, but their free movie library is quite good!
Aircraft Availability: While most of Southwest's fleet is Wi-Fi enabled, it's always good to remember that availability can vary.
By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a great movie (or several!) on your next Southwest Airlines flight. Happy viewing!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check if My Southwest Flight Has Wi-Fi?
You can generally assume most Southwest flights are Wi-Fi enabled, as the airline has equipped its entire fleet. However, for the most up-to-date information, you can often find details about the specific aircraft or amenities for your flight on the Southwest Airlines website or within the app closer to your departure date.
How to Get the Southwest Airlines App?
You can download the Southwest Airlines app for free from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Simply search for "Southwest Airlines."
How to Connect to Southwest Wi-Fi?
Turn on Airplane Mode on your device, then manually turn on Wi-Fi. Select "SouthwestWiFi" from the available networks, and then open your web browser and go to www.southwestwifi.com.
How to Watch Live TV on Southwest Airlines?
Live TV is available for free through the Inflight Entertainment Portal. Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi" and on southwestwifi.com, look for the "Live TV" section.
How to Use Messaging on Southwest Flights for Free?
Free messaging is available for iMessage and WhatsApp users. Ensure these apps are downloaded and activated on your device before your flight. Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi" and in the portal, you can access these services.
How to Purchase Full Internet Access on Southwest?
If you desire full internet Browse capabilities beyond the free entertainment, you can purchase internet access for $8 per device, per flight, through the Inflight Entertainment Portal at southwestwifi.com.
How to Get Free Wi-Fi on Southwest Flights (beyond entertainment)?
A-List Preferred members and Business Select fare passengers receive complimentary full internet access. Also, certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards, like the Performance Business Credit Card, offer annual Wi-Fi credits.
How to Charge My Device on a Southwest Flight?
While Southwest is progressively adding USB-A and USB-C power ports to its newest aircraft, not all planes currently have them. It's highly recommended to fully charge your devices and bring a portable power bank as a backup.
How to Know What Movies Are Available on Southwest?
The movie selection on Southwest's Inflight Entertainment Portal is updated regularly. You can check the "Movies" section of the portal once you are connected onboard, or sometimes Southwest's newsroom provides updates on new content.
How to Troubleshoot Wi-Fi Connection Issues on Southwest?
If you're having trouble connecting, ensure your device is in Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi manually turned on. Try forgetting the "SouthwestWiFi" network and reconnecting. If the portal doesn't load automatically, manually type www.southwestwifi.com into your browser. If issues persist, a Flight Attendant may be able to offer limited assistance.
