Ah, the joys of air travel! Long flights can sometimes feel like an eternity, but what if I told you there's a fantastic way to make that time fly by, literally, with free entertainment? That's right, Southwest Airlines offers a generous inflight entertainment system that includes live TV, movies, and TV series on demand, all without costing you an extra dime!
So, are you ready to transform your next Southwest flight into your personal entertainment lounge? Let's dive into how you can unlock a world of shows and movies right from your seat.
Your Ultimate Guide to Free TV on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines understands that a comfortable and entertaining flight experience is key. Unlike some airlines that offer seatback screens, Southwest leverages the devices you already own – your smartphone, tablet, or laptop – to deliver a vast array of free content.
 |
| How To Get Free Tv On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Prepare Your Personal Device (Before You Even Leave Home!)
This is perhaps the most crucial step to ensure a smooth and seamless entertainment experience once you're in the air. Don't wait until you're on the tarmac to realize you're unprepared!
1.1 Download the Southwest Airlines Mobile App:
It might sound obvious, but this is the gateway to a lot of the content. While some basic entertainment might be accessible through their web portal, the app often provides a more robust and user-friendly experience, especially for movies and certain on-demand TV content.
For Apple iOS users: Head to the Apple App Store and search for "Southwest Airlines: Travel App."
For Android users: Go to the Google Play Store and search for "Southwest Airlines: Travel App."
Pro Tip: Download it and explore it briefly before your travel day to familiarize yourself with its layout.
1.2 Charge Your Devices Fully:
Southwest is gradually adding in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C ports) to its aircraft, but a majority of their planes still do not have power outlets. Don't get caught mid-movie with a dead battery!
Charge your phone, tablet, and/or laptop to 100% before you head to the airport.
Consider bringing a fully charged portable power bank for extra peace of mind, especially on longer flights.
1.3 Bring Your Own Headphones:
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
This is a non-negotiable! Southwest does not sell headphones onboard, and headphones are required if you're listening to any audio.
Make sure you pack your favorite wired or wireless headphones.
Double-check that they are charged if they're wireless.
Step 2: Boarding and Getting Ready for Takeoff
Once you're settled into your seat, it's time to set up your device for inflight entertainment.
2.1 Enable Airplane Mode:
As soon as you're instructed, switch your device to Airplane Mode. This is standard procedure for all flights.
On most smartphones and tablets, you can do this from the Quick Settings menu (swipe down from the top of the screen) or in the main "Settings" app.
2.2 Turn On Wi-Fi (While in Airplane Mode):
Even though you're in Airplane Mode, you can still enable your Wi-Fi. This is how you'll connect to the onboard entertainment system.
Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings.
Ensure Wi-Fi is toggled ON.
Step 3: Connecting to the Southwest Wi-Fi Network
This is where the magic begins!
3.1 Select "SouthwestWiFi":
From your list of available Wi-Fi networks, you'll see one named "SouthwestWiFi".
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Tap on this network to connect. No password is required for this connection.
3.2 Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal:
Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi," a new page should automatically appear, or you'll see a prompt to open a web browser to Southwestwifi.com.
If it doesn't automatically load, open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge are recommended) and manually type in
www.southwestwifi.com This will take you to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal.
Important Note: Connecting to "SouthwestWiFi" is free and only provides access to the Inflight Entertainment Portal and free messaging (iMessage and WhatsApp, which need to be downloaded and activated before connecting). If you want full internet access for Browse the web, email, etc., that is a separate, paid service ($8 per device from takeoff to landing, though price is subject to change). You do not need to pay for internet to access the free TV and movies.
Step 4: Explore and Enjoy Your Free Entertainment!
You're in! Now it's time to settle back and enjoy the show.
 |
4.1 Navigate the Entertainment Portal:
The portal will likely feature a flight tracker prominently, along with sections for:
Live TV: Southwest offers several live TV channels. The selection can vary but often includes popular news and sports channels like ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, ESPN, and FOX. Note: Due to licensing, free live TV may not be available on international flights for the full duration.
Movies: A wide selection of movies, including new releases and popular titles, is available. The library is regularly updated.
TV Series On Demand: Catch up on episodes of various TV shows.
Music (iHeartRadio): Access free music. Again, licensing restrictions may apply on international flights.
Free Messaging: As mentioned, you can use iMessage and WhatsApp.
4.2 Start Streaming:
Simply click on the movie, TV show, or live TV channel you wish to watch, and it should begin streaming directly to your device.
Remember: For certain movies and on-demand TV content, the Southwest mobile app might provide a smoother or more complete viewing experience, so it's always best to have it downloaded beforehand.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Smooth Experience:
Even with the best preparation, technology can sometimes be finicky. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
Portal Not Loading? Double-check that you're connected to "SouthwestWiFi" and manually type
www.southwestwifi.cominto your browser's address bar."Private Wi-Fi Address" on iPhones/iPads: If you're having trouble connecting, go to your Wi-Fi settings, tap the "i" next to "SouthwestWiFi," and toggle off "Private Wi-Fi Address." This often resolves connectivity issues on iOS devices.
Slow Streaming or Buffering: Inflight Wi-Fi can sometimes be inconsistent, especially with many users. Try moving to a different spot on the plane if possible (though this is rarely an option on Southwest due to open seating). Sometimes, simply pausing for a moment and letting it buffer can help.
App Issues: If the app isn't working, try closing it completely and reopening it. You can also try accessing the content directly through the web portal at southwestwifi.com.
No Wi-Fi on Board? While rare, some older aircraft might not be Wi-Fi enabled. The flight attendants will usually announce if Wi-Fi is unavailable. In this case, your pre-downloaded content (movies, e-books, games) will be your best friend!
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a flight filled with free entertainment on Southwest Airlines. So kick back, relax, and enjoy your personal screening room at 35,000 feet!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Southwest flight will have free TV?
While most Southwest aircraft are Wi-Fi enabled and thus offer free TV, it's not guaranteed on every single flight or for the entire duration of international flights due to licensing. The best way to know is to check with a flight attendant once onboard or look for signage, though generally, if the plane is Wi-Fi enabled, the free entertainment is available.
How to download the Southwest app for inflight entertainment?
You can download the Southwest Airlines mobile app from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Search for "Southwest Airlines: Travel App."
How to connect my laptop to Southwest's free TV?
On your laptop, enable Wi-Fi and connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network. Then, open your web browser and navigate to www.southwestwifi.com to access the Inflight Entertainment Portal.
How to get live TV on Southwest Airlines?
Once connected to the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal via "SouthwestWiFi" on your personal device, look for the "Live TV" section. Tap on it to see the available channels and start streaming.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to use iMessage and WhatsApp for free on Southwest?
Connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network. Once connected, access the Inflight Entertainment Portal at www.southwestwifi.com. The portal offers free access to iMessage and WhatsApp, provided you have these apps downloaded and activated before connecting to the Wi-Fi.
How to fix Southwest Wi-Fi if it's not connecting?
Ensure your device is in Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi enabled. Select "SouthwestWiFi" from your network list. If the portal doesn't load, manually type www.southwestwifi.com into your browser. For iPhone/iPad, try disabling "Private Wi-Fi Address" in your Wi-Fi settings for the "SouthwestWiFi" network.
How to get in-seat power on a Southwest flight?
Southwest is retrofitting aircraft with USB-A and USB-C power ports, but not all planes have them yet. There's no way to guarantee a plane with in-seat power beforehand. It's always best to charge your devices fully and bring a power bank.
How to watch movies on Southwest Airlines?
After connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network and accessing the Inflight Entertainment Portal (or the Southwest app), navigate to the "Movies" section. You'll find a wide selection of free movies to stream directly to your personal device.
How to know what movies are available on Southwest flights?
Southwest regularly updates its inflight entertainment content. While you can't get a real-time list before your flight, you can often find monthly highlights and general information on the "Inflight Entertainment & Internet" section of Southwest's official website.
How to troubleshoot buffering issues with Southwest inflight TV?
Buffering can occur due to high network usage. Try pausing the content for a few moments to let it buffer, or if available, try a different movie or TV show. Sometimes, a quick disconnect and reconnect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network can also help.
 |
