Ever wonder how to make those hours in the sky fly by? You've boarded your Southwest flight, settled into your seat (perhaps a window, perhaps an aisle – the beauty of open seating!), and now you're looking for something to keep you entertained. Good news! Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic inflight entertainment portal that can turn your journey into a personal movie marathon or a live TV catch-up session. And the best part? Much of it is absolutely free!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of accessing and enjoying shows on Southwest Airlines, ensuring your next flight is as entertaining as it is efficient.
Step 1: Prepare Your Device Before You Go!
Engage with me here for a moment: What device are you planning to use for your inflight entertainment? Is it your trusty smartphone, a sleek tablet, or maybe a laptop? Whatever your choice, the key to a seamless experience begins before you even leave your home.
A. Charge Everything Up! This might seem obvious, but it's critically important. Southwest Airlines aircraft are progressively being outfitted with in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C ports), but not all planes have them yet. To avoid the dreaded "low battery" notification mid-movie, ensure all your devices are fully charged before heading to the airport.
B. Download the Southwest Airlines App. This is arguably the most crucial step for accessing Southwest's free movies and on-demand TV content.
For Apple users: Head to the Apple App Store.
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store.
Search for "Southwest Airlines" and download the official app. While you can access some content directly through the web portal, having the app ensures you can enjoy the full range of free movies and on-demand TV shows.
C. Consider Headphones. Southwest does not provide seatback screens or headphones. To truly immerse yourself in the entertainment and be considerate of your fellow passengers, noise-canceling headphones are highly recommended. They can significantly enhance your experience by blocking out engine hum and cabin chatter. Wired headphones are generally a safe bet, but if you prefer wireless, ensure they are fully charged as well.
D. Pre-download Personal Content (Optional but Recommended). While Southwest offers a great selection, if there's a specific show or movie you absolutely must watch, or if you anticipate unreliable Wi-Fi (it can vary), it's always a good idea to download content from your personal streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc.) to your device before your flight. Southwest's paid Wi-Fi service generally restricts high-bandwidth streaming from external services to maintain overall network stability.
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| How To Watch Shows On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Boarding and Activating Airplane Mode
You've successfully checked in, navigated security, and found your gate. Now, let's get ready for takeoff!
A. Find Your Seat. Remember, Southwest has open seating! Find a spot that suits you.
B. Switch to Airplane Mode. As soon as you're settled on the plane, and before the cabin doors close, put your device into airplane mode. This is a standard safety procedure for all flights.
On most smartphones and tablets: Swipe down from the top (Android) or up from the bottom (iOS) to access the Quick Settings/Control Center, and tap the airplane icon.
C. Turn On Wi-Fi While in Airplane Mode. This is the magic trick! Even though you're in airplane mode, you can (and should) turn on your device's Wi-Fi. This allows you to connect to the aircraft's internal network.
Step 3: Connecting to "SouthwestWiFi"
Now that your device is prepped, it's time to connect to the inflight network.
A. Open Your Device's Wi-Fi Settings. Go to your device's settings and navigate to the Wi-Fi section.
B. Select "SouthwestWiFi". In the list of available networks, you should see "SouthwestWiFi." Tap on it to connect. No password is required for this connection.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Step 4: Accessing the Inflight Entertainment Portal
Once connected to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, you're just a few taps away from entertainment.
A. Open Your Web Browser. Launch your preferred internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
B. Navigate to SouthwestWiFi.com. The Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal should automatically load. If it doesn't, simply type
www.southwestwifi.com C. Explore the Portal! Congratulations! You're now on the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal. Take a moment to look around. You'll find various sections:
Free Live TV: Enjoy a selection of live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment. Note: Due to licensing, live TV might not be available for the full duration of international flights.
Free TV Series On-Demand: Binge-watch episodes of popular TV shows. Remember, for the full selection of movies and on-demand TV, having the Southwest app downloaded beforehand is key!
Free Movies: Dive into a library of movies, from new releases to beloved classics. Again, access to the full movie library is often best experienced through the Southwest app.
Free Music (iHeartRadio): Tune into a wide variety of music and podcasts through iHeartRadio.
Free Messaging: Stay connected with friends and family using iMessage and WhatsApp. Important: These apps must be downloaded and activated on your device BEFORE connecting to SouthwestWiFi.
Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your flight's progress, estimated arrival time, and even explore city guides for your destination.
Step 5: Choosing Your Entertainment and Optional Paid Wi-Fi
Now for the fun part – picking what to watch!
A. Select Your Free Content. Browse through the categories and tap on the movie, TV show, or live channel you want to watch. If prompted to open in the Southwest app, do so for the best experience.
B. Consider Paid Wi-Fi (Optional). If you need full internet access for Browse the web, checking emails, or light social media, Southwest offers paid Wi-Fi.
Cost: It's typically $8 per device, per flight.
How to Purchase: Look for the option to purchase internet access within the Inflight Entertainment Portal. You'll likely be prompted to enter your payment details.
Important Considerations for Paid Wi-Fi:
Bandwidth Restrictions: Southwest blocks access to high-bandwidth applications and websites like Netflix, HBO Max, Zoom, and other streaming services or video conferencing tools to ensure a stable experience for all users.
Per Flight Charge: If you have a connecting flight, you'll need to pay the $8 fee for each leg of your journey, unless you qualify for free Wi-Fi (see below).
Reliability Can Vary: While Southwest is constantly improving its Wi-Fi, like any inflight internet service, speeds and reliability can fluctuate.
Getting Free Wi-Fi (Beyond the Entertainment Portal Content)
Did you know there are ways to get the $8 full internet access for free on Southwest?
Southwest A-List Preferred Members: If you're a top-tier A-List Preferred member of Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, you automatically get complimentary Wi-Fi access on all flights.
Business Select Fares: Passengers who purchase Business Select fares also enjoy free Wi-Fi.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card: This credit card offers 365 $8 Wi-Fi credits annually, essentially providing free Wi-Fi for many flights throughout the year.
Enjoy Your Flight!
You're all set! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your chosen entertainment. Whether you're catching up on the news, diving into a movie, or just texting with loved ones, Southwest Airlines aims to make your time in the air as enjoyable as possible.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to access the Southwest Airlines Inflight Entertainment Portal?
To access the Southwest Airlines Inflight Entertainment Portal, connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network on your personal device (in airplane mode with Wi-Fi on), then open your web browser and navigate to southwestwifi.com.
How to watch free movies on Southwest Airlines?
To watch free movies on Southwest Airlines, connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and then access the Inflight Entertainment Portal via southwestwifi.com. For the full movie library, it's highly recommended to download the Southwest Airlines app before your flight.
How to get free Wi-Fi for general internet Browse on Southwest Airlines?
Free general internet Browse Wi-Fi is available to Southwest A-List Preferred members, passengers on Business Select fares, and those who pay for their Wi-Fi with a Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card (which offers annual credits). Otherwise, full internet access costs $8 per device, per flight.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
How to use messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage on Southwest flights?
You can use iMessage and WhatsApp for free on Southwest flights by connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and accessing the Inflight Entertainment Portal. Ensure these apps are downloaded and activated on your device before your flight.
How to connect my laptop to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi?
To connect your laptop to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi, enable airplane mode on your laptop, then turn on Wi-Fi and select "SouthwestWiFi" from the network list. Open your web browser and go to southwestwifi.com to access the portal.
How to know if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi and entertainment?
Most Southwest Airlines flights are Wi-Fi enabled. You'll typically find information about inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi availability in your flight's pre-departure announcements or on Southwest's website. If you can connect to "SouthwestWiFi," you have access.
How to watch live TV on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
You can watch free live TV on Southwest Airlines by connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and accessing the Inflight Entertainment Portal via southwestwifi.com. A selection of live channels is usually available.
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 its aircraft, not all planes currently have them. It's highly recommended to fully charge your devices before your flight to ensure uninterrupted entertainment.
How to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
To avoid paying the $8 Wi-Fi fee, you can achieve A-List Preferred status with Southwest Rapid Rewards, purchase a Business Select fare, or use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card which offers annual Wi-Fi credits. All inflight entertainment content (movies, live TV, music, basic messaging) is free regardless of paid Wi-Fi.
How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection issues on Southwest Airlines?
If you're having trouble connecting to Southwest Wi-Fi, ensure your device is in airplane mode with Wi-Fi on, you've selected "SouthwestWiFi" from the network list, and you've typed southwestwifi.com correctly into your browser. If issues persist, try restarting your device or ask a Flight Attendant if Wi-Fi is experiencing any known issues on your flight.
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