Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and want to keep your loved ones in the loop about your flight's progress? Sharing your flight information via iMessage is an incredibly convenient way to do just that, offering real-time updates directly within your text conversations. Forget constantly checking flight tracking apps or sending separate updates – with iMessage, it's all seamless!
Ready to become a flight-sharing pro? Let's dive in!
The Magic of iMessage Flight Tracking
Before we get into the "how-to," let's understand why this feature is so cool. iMessage, Apple's proprietary messaging service, has a built-in capability to recognize flight numbers. When it detects a valid flight number in a conversation, it automatically transforms it into a clickable link. Tapping this link reveals a wealth of information, from a live flight tracker map to estimated arrival times and gate details. It's like having a mini-control tower in your pocket!
Southwest Airlines, being a modern carrier, integrates well with this iOS functionality, especially for texting through their free in-flight Wi-Fi, which supports iMessage. This means you can keep people updated even while you're airborne!
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sharing Southwest Flight Info on iMessage
Here's exactly how to leverage this fantastic feature, whether you're sending it before or during your flight.
Step 1: Get Your Southwest Flight Details Ready
This is where it all begins! Without the correct flight information, iMessage won't know what to track.
Locate Your Flight Number: Your flight number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to your specific flight. For Southwest, it typically starts with "WN" followed by a few digits (e.g., WN 1234).
Where to find it:
Your Southwest Airlines booking confirmation email.
Your mobile boarding pass in the Southwest Airlines app.
On your physical boarding pass.
The "My Trips" section of the Southwest Airlines website or app.
Pro Tip for Accuracy: Ensure you have the exact flight number. Even a single digit or letter incorrect will prevent iMessage from recognizing it. Double-check before you proceed!
Step 2: Open the iMessage App
Now that you have your flight details in hand, it's time to open up the communication channel.
Launch Messages: Tap the blue "Messages" icon on your iPhone's home screen.
Start a New Conversation or Select an Existing One:
If you're sending to someone new: Tap the compose icon (a square with a pen) in the top right corner.
If you're sending to someone you've already been chatting with: Tap on their existing conversation thread.
Step 3: Type in Your Flight Information
This is the crucial step where iMessage does its magic. The format is important!
Enter the Airline Abbreviation and Flight Number: For Southwest Airlines, the standard abbreviation is WN. You'll then follow it directly with your flight number.
Examples of correct formats:
WN1234
WN 1234 (A space is generally fine, but no space is often more consistent for iMessage recognition).
What to avoid:
Do not type out "Southwest Airlines 1234" – while it might work, using the abbreviation is more reliable for iMessage's quick recognition.
Do not include any other text around the flight number in the initial message if you want it to be recognized instantly. You can add more context after the flight number has been sent and linked.
Send the Message: Tap the blue arrow icon to send your message.
Step 4: Interact with the Linked Flight Info
Once you've sent the message, you'll see the power of iMessage in action!
Observe the Underlined Text: After sending, the flight number (e.g., WN1234) should appear underlined in blue. This indicates that iMessage has recognized it as a flight.
Tap on the Underlined Flight Number: Lightly tap on the underlined flight number. A small menu will pop up.
Select "Preview Flight": From the options presented, tap on "Preview Flight".
Step 5: Explore Your Flight Details and Share Further
Upon selecting "Preview Flight," a detailed flight information card will appear, providing a comprehensive overview of your journey.
Real-time Flight Tracker Map: At the top, you'll usually see a map with a line connecting your origin and destination, and a small airplane icon showing its current position (if the flight is active). This is incredibly helpful for visualizing progress.
Key Flight Information: Below the map, you'll find essential details:
Airline name and flight number (e.g., Southwest Airlines WN1234)
Flight status (e.g., "On Time," "Delayed," "Arrived")
Departure and arrival airports
Scheduled and actual departure/arrival times
Terminal and gate information
Baggage claim carousel number (if available)
Flight duration
Sharing Options within the Preview:
You can take a screenshot of this flight information card to share with others outside of iMessage.
While the primary sharing method is simply sending the flight number, the "Copy Flight Code" option (if present) allows you to copy the recognized flight number to your clipboard for easy pasting into other apps or messages.
Special Considerations for In-Flight Sharing
If you're already on the Southwest flight and want to send updates, here's what you need to know:
Connect to SouthwestWiFi: Southwest Airlines offers free texting via iMessage (and WhatsApp) on their Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft.
Turn on Airplane Mode on your iPhone.
Then, turn on Wi-Fi and connect to the "SouthwestWiFi" network.
Open your web browser and navigate to
www.southwestwifi.com Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to the free messaging service.
Text-Only for Free Messaging: Keep in mind that while free, in-flight messaging on Southwest is typically text-only. You generally won't be able to send photos or videos via iMessage without purchasing full internet access. The flight preview itself (the map and details) should still function once the flight number is recognized.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about sharing flight information on iMessage, specifically with a Southwest Airlines focus:
How to check if my iMessage is enabled for flight tracking?
Go to your iPhone's Settings > Messages and ensure the toggle next to "iMessage" is turned ON. This feature relies on iMessage being active.
How to troubleshoot if iMessage isn't recognizing my Southwest flight number?
First, double-check that you're using the correct format (e.g., WN1234 or WN 1234). Ensure there are no typos. Also, confirm you have a stable internet connection (cellular or Wi-Fi). If you're on the plane, ensure you're connected to the free Southwest WiFi. Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone can resolve minor glitches.
How to share flight info on iMessage without typing the full airline name?
You only need the airline's IATA code, which for Southwest Airlines is WN. So, just type WN followed by the flight number, like WN789.
How to use iMessage flight tracking for past or future flights?
iMessage's flight tracking primarily works for active or very recent flights. If a flight is several months away or has already completed and departed hours ago, the information might be unavailable or display as "Flight information unavailable."
How to get baggage claim information through iMessage flight tracking?
When you preview a flight in iMessage, if the information is available from the airline's data feed, the baggage claim carousel number will be displayed along with the arrival gate and terminal details. This usually becomes available closer to the flight's arrival.
How to share a Southwest flight's real-time map with someone else?
Once you tap "Preview Flight," the interactive map and all the flight details are displayed on a single screen. Your contact can see this exact information. You can also take a screenshot of this screen and send it via any messaging app if they don't have an iPhone or iMessage.
How to get flight updates from an airline directly to iMessage?
Some airlines may send flight updates (like delays or gate changes) via text message. If these messages contain the flight number in a format iMessage recognizes, they will automatically become clickable links within your conversation, allowing you to preview the flight.
How to track multiple Southwest flights in iMessage?
You can send multiple flight numbers in separate messages or even in the same message (though separate messages might make it clearer). Each recognized flight number will be underlined and tappable individually, allowing you to preview each flight's details.
How to ensure iMessage flight tracking works while airborne on Southwest?
You must connect to the free "SouthwestWiFi" network onboard. Once connected, your iMessage will function for text-based messages, and the flight tracking feature should work as long as you maintain a connection. Remember, it's typically text-only for free in-flight messaging.
How to find out if a specific Southwest flight has Wi-Fi for iMessage texting?
Most modern Southwest aircraft are Wi-Fi enabled. You can usually check the Southwest Airlines website or app for details on in-flight amenities for your specific flight or aircraft type. Generally, if they offer entertainment via Wi-Fi, they will also offer free messaging.
