Traveling with Southwest Airlines and wondering how to make the flight time fly by with some great entertainment? You've come to the perfect place! Southwest has an excellent, and largely free, in-flight entertainment portal that lets you enjoy movies, live TV, TV series, music, and more, all from your own device. No clunky seat-back screens here – it's all about bringing your own entertainment hub!
Let's dive into exactly how you can get set up to enjoy your favorite shows and movies while soaring through the skies.
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Videos on Southwest Airlines
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| How To Watch Video On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Get Prepared Before You Take Off! (Engage with this crucial step!)
Alright, fellow traveler, this is arguably the most important step, and it happens before you even step foot on the plane. Imagine settling into your seat, getting comfy, and then realizing you can't watch anything because you missed this! Don't let that be you!
Sub-heading: Download the Southwest Airlines App
While you can access a lot of content directly through your browser, having the Southwest Airlines app downloaded on your smartphone or tablet is highly recommended. The app often provides a smoother, more optimized viewing experience, and sometimes even offers exclusive content.
For Apple Users (iOS): Head to the Apple App Store and search for "Southwest Airlines." Download and install the official app.
For Android Users: Go to the Google Play Store and search for "Southwest Airlines." Download and install the official app.
Sub-heading: Charge Your Devices!
This might seem obvious, but it's critical. Southwest aircraft are not universally equipped with power outlets or USB charging ports. While new planes are gradually being fitted with USB-A and USB-C ports, it's safer to assume you won't have access to charging for the duration of your flight. Make sure your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged before you leave for the airport! Consider bringing a portable power bank for extra peace of mind, especially on longer flights.
Sub-heading: Bring Headphones or Earbuds
This is a non-negotiable! To enjoy any audio content – movies, TV shows, music – you'll need your own headphones or earbuds. Southwest does not provide or sell these onboard. Be a courteous traveler and ensure your audio doesn't disturb your fellow passengers.
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Step 2: Onboard – Activating Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi
Now you're on the plane, settled in your seat, and ready to get entertained!
Sub-heading: Enable Airplane Mode
As soon as the flight crew instructs you to, or even before takeoff, switch your device to Airplane Mode. This disables cellular connections.
Sub-heading: Turn on Wi-Fi
Crucially, after enabling Airplane Mode, turn your Wi-Fi back on. You'll be connecting to the plane's internal network, not a ground-based internet service for entertainment purposes.
Step 3: Connecting to "SouthwestWiFi"
This is where you bridge the gap between your device and the in-flight entertainment portal.
Sub-heading: Select the Network
From your device's Wi-Fi settings, you should see a network named "SouthwestWiFi" or something similar. Tap on it to connect. You won't need a password for this internal network connection.
Sub-heading: Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
Once connected, a new page should automatically appear on your screen, directing you to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal.
If the portal loads automatically: Great! You're good to go.
If it doesn't load automatically: Don't panic! Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.) and type in the address bar:
www.southwestwifi.com Pro Tip for Android users: Sometimes, Android devices might show a notification about "No Internet Access" on the Wi-Fi network. You might need to tap on this notification and then select an option like "Use network as is" or "Stay connected" to proceed to the portal.
Step 4: Exploring the Free Entertainment!
Welcome to your in-flight entertainment hub! Southwest offers a fantastic selection of free content.
Sub-heading: Movies, TV, and More!
Navigate the portal to find:
Free Movies: Southwest provides a wide array of movies, from new releases to classic favorites. The selection is regularly updated, so there's usually something new to discover.
Live TV: On most Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft, you can enjoy a selection of live TV channels. This is a great way to catch up on news or sports while you fly! (Note: Live TV availability may vary on international flights due to licensing restrictions).
On-Demand TV Series: Binge-watch episodes of popular TV shows.
Music: Access music through services like iHeartRadio.
Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your journey! The flight tracker is a cool feature that shows your plane's progress, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time.
Games: Some simple games might be available to pass the time.
City Guides: Get tips and tricks for your destination.
Sub-heading: Free Messaging
One of the best perks! You can use iMessage and WhatsApp for free messaging with friends and family. This service is separate from the paid internet access. Just ensure you have these apps downloaded before your flight.
Step 5: (Optional) Purchasing Internet Access
While the entertainment portal is free, if you need full internet access for Browse, email, or social media beyond basic messaging, you'll need to purchase it.
Cost: Internet access typically costs $8 per device for the entire flight. Prices are subject to change.
How to Purchase: Within the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal, you'll see options to purchase internet access. Follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Limitations: To ensure a good experience for all passengers, Southwest typically restricts access to high-bandwidth applications and websites like Netflix, HBO GO, and VoIP services. This helps maintain a reasonable internet speed for everyone.
Free Wi-Fi for Elite Members: If you are a Southwest A-List Preferred member or a Business Select Customer, you typically receive complimentary Wi-Fi access. Check your Rapid Rewards benefits for details.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Smooth Experience:
Restart your device: A simple restart can often resolve connection issues.
Clear browser cache: If the portal isn't loading correctly, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies.
Ensure app is updated: If you're using the Southwest app, make sure it's the latest version.
Ask a Flight Attendant: If you're still having trouble, kindly inform a flight attendant. While they are primarily focused on safety, they might be able to offer basic guidance.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Related FAQ Questions
How to access the Southwest Airlines Inflight Entertainment Portal?
Simply connect your device to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and then open your web browser to
How to watch free movies on Southwest Airlines?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, go to
How to use iMessage or WhatsApp for free on Southwest Airlines?
After connecting to "SouthwestWiFi" and accessing the portal, you can use iMessage and WhatsApp applications on your device without needing to purchase full internet access. Ensure these apps are downloaded before your flight.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
Basic inflight entertainment (movies, live TV, music, flight tracker) and messaging (iMessage, WhatsApp) are free. Full internet access is typically $8 per device, but A-List Preferred members and Business Select Customers get it for free.
How to charge my phone on a Southwest Airlines flight?
The majority of Southwest aircraft do not have power outlets or USB ports. It's highly recommended to charge your devices fully before your flight and bring a portable power bank. New planes are gradually being equipped with USB-A and USB-C ports.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
How to know if my Southwest flight has entertainment?
Almost all Southwest aircraft are Wi-Fi enabled and offer the Inflight Entertainment Portal. You'll be able to tell once you're onboard and can see the "SouthwestWiFi" network.
How to download the Southwest Airlines app for in-flight entertainment?
Before your flight, search for "Southwest Airlines" in your device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android) and download the official app.
How to troubleshoot if Southwest Wi-Fi isn't working?
First, ensure your device is in Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi enabled. Try restarting your device or clearing your browser's cache. If the portal doesn't load automatically, manually type
How to watch live TV on Southwest Airlines?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, access the Inflight Entertainment Portal via
How to tell if a movie requires the Southwest app for viewing?
While many movies can be streamed directly through the browser, some content might suggest or require the Southwest app for optimal viewing. It's always best to have the app downloaded beforehand to avoid any interruptions.
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