Ready to elevate your inflight experience from simply flying to flying with connectivity? Whether you want to catch up on emails, browse social media, or just have some fun, getting online with Southwest Airlines is easier than you might think! Let's dive into the step-by-step process of how to get internet on your next Southwest flight.
Your Inflight Internet Guide: Staying Connected on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines offers Wi-Fi on most of its flights, allowing you to stay connected (or entertained!) from takeoff to landing. While their inflight entertainment portal offers a plethora of free options, full internet access comes with a small fee, unless you qualify for complimentary access. Here's everything you need to know:
Step 1: Pre-Flight Preparation – Get Your Devices Ready!
Before you even step foot on the plane, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a smooth internet connection. Don't wait until you're at 30,000 feet!
Sub-heading 1.1: Download the Southwest App
This is a crucial first step, especially if you plan to enjoy the free entertainment options like movies and on-demand TV. The Southwest Airlines app is your gateway to much of the free content, even if you don't purchase internet access.
Action: Head to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and search for "Southwest Airlines." Download and install the official app.
Sub-heading 1.2: Charge Your Devices
While Southwest is progressively adding USB-A and USB-C power ports to its newer aircraft, many planes in their current fleet still do not have in-seat power. Don't let a low battery cut your online time short!
Action: Fully charge your smartphone, tablet, or laptop before you leave for the airport. Consider bringing a portable power bank as a backup.
Sub-heading 1.3: Understand Wi-Fi Availability & Limitations
Most Southwest flights within the U.S. offer Wi-Fi. However, on international flights, Wi-Fi may only be available during the domestic portion of the journey due to licensing restrictions. Also, understand that high-bandwidth activities like streaming from services like Netflix, Hulu, or engaging in video conferencing (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom) are typically blocked to ensure a more stable connection for all passengers.
Key Takeaway: While you can browse, email, and use social media, don't expect to binge-watch your favorite show on their paid Wi-Fi. However, you can stream free movies and live TV through their portal!
Step 2: Onboard Connection – Getting Online in the Air
Once you're settled into your seat and the aircraft is at a safe altitude, it's time to connect!
Sub-heading 2.1: Enable Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi
This is standard procedure for any inflight connectivity.
Action: Go to your device's "Settings" menu.
Action: Toggle "Airplane Mode" ON. This will disable your cellular connection.
Action: After enabling Airplane Mode, immediately turn your Wi-Fi back ON.
Sub-heading 2.2: Select "SouthwestWiFi" Network
Your device will now scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
Action: From the list of available networks, select "SouthwestWiFi."
Sub-heading 2.3: Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal
Once connected to the SouthwestWiFi network, your device should automatically redirect you to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal. If it doesn't, don't fret!
Action: If the portal doesn't load automatically, open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge are recommended and supported) and type southwestwifi.com into the address bar.
Step 3: Choosing Your Connectivity – Free vs. Paid
The Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal is your hub for both free entertainment and purchasing internet access.
Sub-heading 3.1: Explore Free Entertainment
Southwest offers a fantastic array of complimentary entertainment options that do not require purchasing internet access.
What's Free:
Live TV: Enjoy a selection of live television channels.
On-Demand TV Series & Movies: Access a library of free movies and TV shows. Remember to use the Southwest app for optimal viewing of these!
Music: Listen to various music channels.
Flight Tracker: Keep an eye on your journey's progress, including estimated arrival time and route map.
Free Texting: Use iMessage and WhatsApp to send and receive messages. Important: You must have these apps downloaded and activated on your device before connecting to the Wi-Fi.
Action: Browse through these free options and enjoy!
Sub-heading 3.2: Purchase Full Internet Access (if needed)
If you need to browse the web, check emails, or use other social media platforms beyond iMessage/WhatsApp, you'll need to purchase internet access.
Cost: The cost for full internet access is typically $8 per device, per flight segment. This means if you have a connecting flight, you'll need to purchase Wi-Fi separately for each leg of your journey.
Payment Methods: Southwest generally accepts major credit cards for Wi-Fi purchases. You might also find options like Pay with Amazon on some flights.
Who Gets it Free?:
A-List Preferred Members: If you're a Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, you receive complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Business Select Customers: Passengers who book Business Select fares also enjoy free Wi-Fi.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card Holders: Some Southwest co-branded credit cards, like the Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card, offer annual credits for Wi-Fi purchases, effectively making your internet free. Check your card's benefits for details.
Action: If you wish to purchase, look for the "Purchase Internet" or similar option on the portal. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your payment.
Step 4: Enjoy and Troubleshoot – Staying Connected
Once you've made your selection, you're all set!
Sub-heading 4.1: Maximize Your Connectivity
Minimize Background Apps: Close any unnecessary applications running in the background on your device to optimize your internet speed.
Manage Expectations: Inflight Wi-Fi, while a fantastic amenity, is generally not as fast or reliable as ground-based internet. Speeds can vary depending on the number of users and the aircraft's position.
Utilize Free Content: If the paid internet isn't meeting your needs for certain tasks, remember the robust free entertainment options available.
Sub-heading 4.2: Troubleshooting Tips (If You Encounter Issues)
Sometimes, technology can be a little finicky. If you're having trouble connecting or staying online, try these quick fixes:
Disconnect and Reconnect: Go back to your device's Wi-Fi settings, "forget" the "SouthwestWiFi" network, and then reconnect to it.
Restart Your Device: A simple restart can often resolve minor connectivity glitches.
Clear Your Browser Cache/Try a Different Browser: Sometimes, cached data can interfere. Clearing your browser's cache or trying a different web browser might help.
Disable "Private Wi-Fi Address" (iOS Users): For iPhone and iPad users, temporarily disabling "Private Wi-Fi Address" in your Wi-Fi settings for the "SouthwestWiFi" network has been known to resolve connection issues.
Contact a Flight Attendant: If all else fails, politely inform a flight attendant. While they may not be IT experts, they can sometimes provide general guidance or confirm if there are known issues with the Wi-Fi system on that particular flight.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further understand internet access on Southwest Airlines:
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
You can get free Wi-Fi if you are a Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, a Business Select fare customer, or if you use a Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card for the purchase (which offers statement credits for Wi-Fi fees).
How to connect to the Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi network?
First, enable Airplane Mode and then turn on Wi-Fi on your device. Select "SouthwestWiFi" from your available networks. Then, open your web browser and navigate to southwestwifi.com.
How to pay for Wi-Fi on Southwest flights?
You can typically pay for Wi-Fi directly through the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal using major credit cards. Some flights may also offer payment via Pay with Amazon.
How to access free movies and TV on Southwest Airlines?
Once connected to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and on the southwestwifi.com portal, you can access free live TV, on-demand movies, and TV series. For optimal viewing of movies and on-demand content, it's recommended to download the Southwest Airlines app before your flight.
How to troubleshoot slow Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
If your Wi-Fi is slow, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, restarting your device, clearing your browser's cache, or, for iOS users, disabling "Private Wi-Fi Address" for the network.
How to know if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
Most Southwest Airlines flights are Wi-Fi enabled. You'll typically see signage on board, and the "SouthwestWiFi" network will appear as an option in your device's Wi-Fi settings.
How to use iMessage and WhatsApp for free on Southwest?
Once connected to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and on the portal, you can select the free messaging option. Ensure you have iMessage and WhatsApp downloaded and activated on your device before connecting to the Wi-Fi.
How to stream services like Netflix or Hulu on Southwest Wi-Fi?
Generally, high-bandwidth streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and video conferencing applications are blocked on Southwest Airlines' paid Wi-Fi to maintain service quality for all passengers. You can, however, stream content provided through Southwest's free entertainment portal.
How to find the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal?
After connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network, your device should automatically direct you to southwestwifi.com. If not, simply open your web browser and type southwestwifi.com into the address bar.
How to get a refund for Southwest Wi-Fi if it didn't work?
If you purchased Wi-Fi and experienced significant issues, you can contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service after your flight to inquire about a refund. They may review your case based on their refund policy.
