Ah, the age-old question: how to keep yourself entertained at 35,000 feet, especially when flying with an airline known for not having seatback screens! Fear not, fellow traveler, because Southwest Airlines has a fantastic (and mostly free!) in-flight entertainment system that you can access right from your own device. Forget craning your neck or hoping for a decent view out the window – let's get you set up for a flight filled with movies, TV, and more!
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching TV on Southwest Airlines
Watching TV and movies on Southwest Airlines is surprisingly easy and, best of all, much of it is free! You just need a little preparation and knowledge of how to connect. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're ready to kick back and enjoy your flight.
Step 1: Pre-Flight Preparation is Key! Don't Get Caught Unprepared!
Before you even step foot on the plane, there are a few crucial things you need to do to ensure a smooth entertainment experience. Think of this as your mission briefing before takeoff!
Sub-heading: Download the Southwest Airlines App
This is arguably the most important step. While you can access some content through the web browser, the Southwest Airlines app is essential for viewing all free movies and select on-demand TV content.
Why it's important: Many of the best movies and TV shows are streamed directly through the app. Without it, you'll have a more limited selection.
Where to get it:
For Apple users: Search for "Southwest Airlines" in the Apple App Store.
For Android users: Search for "Southwest Airlines" in the Google Play Store.
Do it before you leave: Don't wait until you're on the plane and scrambling for Wi-Fi. Download and even open the app once to ensure it's ready to go.
Sub-heading: Charge Your Devices
Southwest is still in the process of adding USB-A and USB-C power ports to its newest planes. This means many aircraft do not yet have charging capabilities at every seat.
Don't rely on onboard power: Assume you won't have a charging port unless you're on a brand-new aircraft.
Charge everything: Fully charge your phone, tablet, or laptop before you leave for the airport.
Consider a portable charger: A fully charged power bank can be a lifesaver for longer flights or if you're using your device heavily.
Sub-heading: Bring Your Own Headphones
Southwest does not provide or sell headphones onboard.
Be a good neighbor: No one wants to hear your movie or TV show. Bring your own wired or Bluetooth headphones.
Wired vs. Bluetooth: While Bluetooth headphones are convenient, a wired pair can be a good backup if your Bluetooth headphones run out of battery.
Step 2: Onboard Connectivity: Getting Connected to the Free Wi-Fi Network
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Once you're settled in your seat and the plane is preparing for takeoff, it's time to connect to Southwest's Wi-Fi network. Remember, the Wi-Fi for entertainment is free!
Sub-heading: Activate Airplane Mode & Wi-Fi
This is standard procedure for any flight.
Turn on Airplane Mode: Locate the airplane mode setting on your device (usually in your quick settings or main settings menu) and turn it on.
Enable Wi-Fi: After activating airplane mode, immediately turn your Wi-Fi back on.
Sub-heading: Connect to "SouthwestWiFi"
Open Wi-Fi Settings: Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": Look for the network named "SouthwestWiFi" and tap to connect. There's no password required for this network.
Sub-heading: Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal
Once connected to the Wi-Fi, you need to open the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal.
Automatic Redirection (Sometimes): Often, your device will automatically redirect you to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal (southwestwifi.com) once connected.
Manual Entry: If it doesn't redirect automatically, open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and manually type in
www.southwestwifi.com
Step 3: Unlocking Your Entertainment: Dive into the Free Content
Now that you're connected to the portal, it's time to explore the vast array of free entertainment options Southwest offers.
Sub-heading: Navigate the Entertainment Portal
The Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal has a user-friendly interface. You'll typically see options for:
Live TV: A selection of popular live TV channels.
Movies: A rotating selection of free movies, including new releases and classics. Remember, for the full movie library, the app is key!
On-Demand TV: Various TV series and episodes.
Music: Access to iHeartRadio.
Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your flight's progress.
Messaging: Free access to iMessage and WhatsApp.
Sub-heading: Enjoy Free Movies & On-Demand TV (via the App)
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
As mentioned in Step 1, the Southwest app is crucial for the full movie and on-demand TV experience.
Launch the Southwest App: Once the portal is open in your browser, you'll often see prompts or links to open the content in the Southwest app. Tap on these.
Select Your Content: Within the app, navigate to the "Movies" or "TV" sections. Browse the extensive library and choose what you want to watch.
Start Streaming: Tap on your desired movie or show, and it should begin streaming immediately.
Sub-heading: Tune into Live TV (Directly from the Portal)
Southwest offers a good selection of live TV channels, which you can usually stream directly from the southwestwifi.com portal without needing the app.
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Channels often include: ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, ESPN, FOX, Fox News, HGTV, NBC, NFL Network, TBS, and USA. (Note: availability can vary, especially on international flights).
Sub-heading: Listen to Free Music with iHeartRadio
Music lovers, rejoice! Southwest also offers free access to iHeartRadio through its entertainment portal.
Browse and Play: You can select from various genres and radio stations to enjoy during your flight.
Step 4: Optional: Purchase Full Internet Access (If You Need More)
While the entertainment options are free, if you need full internet access for Browse, email, or social media (excluding high-bandwidth streaming like Netflix or HBO Go), you can purchase it.
Cost: Generally, Wi-Fi costs $8 per device, per flight. If you have a connecting flight, you'll need to pay for each segment.
How to Purchase: On the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal, you'll see an option to purchase Wi-Fi. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the payment.
Free Wi-Fi for Elite Members/Cardholders:
A-List Preferred members: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card holders: May receive a credit for Wi-Fi purchases.
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Tips for a Seamless Experience
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go perfectly. Here are some tips to troubleshoot common issues and enhance your experience:
Sub-heading: Connection Issues
"SouthwestWiFi" not appearing: Double-check that Airplane Mode is on and Wi-Fi is enabled. Try restarting your device's Wi-Fi.
Portal not loading: Manually type
www.southwestwifi.cominto your browser's address bar. Sometimes, tryinghttp://88.8.8.8orhttp://captive.apple.comcan force the captive portal page to load.Slow connection (for paid Wi-Fi): In-flight Wi-Fi can be inconsistent. Be patient. Southwest blocks high-bandwidth apps to try and maintain stability for all users.
Sub-heading: App-Related Issues
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
App content not loading: Ensure you have a stable connection to "SouthwestWiFi." Try closing and reopening the Southwest app.
App crashing: Make sure your Southwest app is updated to the latest version. Clear the app's cache if issues persist.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Your Entertainment
Download content beforehand (just in case): While Southwest offers plenty, having a few movies or shows downloaded to your device from your personal streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) is always a good backup, especially for longer flights or if Wi-Fi is unexpectedly unavailable.
Conserve battery: Dim your screen, close unnecessary apps, and consider putting your device in low-power mode to extend battery life.
Enjoy the variety: Don't forget about the games, city guides, and other free features available on the portal.
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| How To Watch Tv On Southwest Airlines |
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common questions about watching TV on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers to help you out!
How to know if my flight has Wi-Fi and entertainment?
Most Southwest flights are Wi-Fi enabled, which means they offer the free in-flight entertainment portal. While it's generally safe to assume your flight will have it, you can sometimes check your flight details or look for Wi-Fi logos on the plane.
How to download the Southwest Airlines app?
Search for "Southwest Airlines" in your device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android) and download it before your flight.
How to connect my device to the Southwest Wi-Fi network?
Turn on Airplane Mode, then re-enable Wi-Fi. Select "SouthwestWiFi" from your list of available networks. No password is required.
How to access the Inflight Entertainment Portal?
Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi," your device may automatically redirect you. If not, open a web browser and type www.southwestwifi.com into the address bar.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
How to watch free movies on Southwest Airlines?
Connect to "SouthwestWiFi," access the Inflight Entertainment Portal, and then open the Southwest Airlines app. Most free movies and on-demand TV are streamed through the app.
How to watch live TV on Southwest Airlines?
Connect to "SouthwestWiFi" and access the Inflight Entertainment Portal. Live TV channels are typically available directly within the portal.
How to tell if I need the Southwest app for certain content?
While some content (like live TV) can be viewed directly on the portal, for the full library of free movies and a wider selection of on-demand TV, the Southwest Airlines app is required and will be prompted.
How to charge my device on a Southwest flight?
Newer Southwest aircraft are being equipped with USB-A and USB-C charging ports. However, many aircraft do not have them. It's highly recommended to fully charge your devices and bring a portable charger as a backup.
How to get free internet (not just entertainment) on Southwest?
Full internet access for Browse and email costs $8 per device per flight. However, A-List Preferred members and those with a Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card receive complimentary Wi-Fi.
How to troubleshoot if the Wi-Fi isn't working?
Ensure Airplane Mode is on and Wi-Fi is enabled. Try forgetting and rejoining the "SouthwestWiFi" network. If the portal won't load, try typing www.southwestwifi.com or http://88.8.8.8 into your browser. If all else fails, a quick device restart can sometimes help.
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