Traveling with Southwest Airlines offers a unique experience, especially when it comes to inflight entertainment. Unlike many airlines with built-in seatback screens, Southwest provides a wealth of free entertainment options directly to your personal devices. This means you can kick back, relax, and enjoy movies, TV shows, and even live TV without spending an extra dime (on the entertainment itself, that is!).
Are you ready to transform your flight into a personal cinema experience? Let's dive into the simple steps to access all the fantastic free entertainment Southwest has to offer!
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Free Movies on Southwest Airlines
Step 1: Engage with Your Device Before You Take Off!
Before you even set foot on the plane, this is perhaps the most crucial step. Southwest's inflight entertainment relies on you using your own smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Sub-heading: Don't Forget the Essentials!
Download the Southwest® App: This is paramount for accessing their full library of free movies and on-demand TV shows. Head over to the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) and download the "Southwest Airlines" app. Install it before you lose your internet connection at the airport! While some content might be accessible through a web browser, the app ensures you have the smoothest and most complete experience, especially for movies.
Charge Your Devices: There are no seatback power outlets on all Southwest planes currently. While they are working on adding USB-A and USB-C ports to their fleet, it's not universally available. So, ensure your devices are fully charged to last you through your entire flight (or even multiple flights if you have a layover).
Bring Headphones: This might seem obvious, but it's essential. You'll need headphones to listen to any audio content, as Southwest does not provide or sell them onboard. Make sure they are comfortable for long-term wear.
Step 2: Mastering the Onboard Connection – Getting to the Portal
Once you're comfortably seated on your Southwest flight, it's time to connect to their entertainment network.
Sub-heading: Simple Steps to Connectivity
Activate Airplane Mode: As soon as the flight attendants announce it, switch your device to Airplane Mode. This disables cellular functions but allows Wi-Fi to remain active.
Turn on Wi-Fi: Within your device's settings, enable Wi-Fi.
Select "SouthwestWiFi": Look for the Wi-Fi network named "SouthwestWiFi" in your list of available networks and connect to it.
Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal:
Automatically: In many cases, once you connect to "SouthwestWiFi," the Inflight Entertainment Portal will automatically open in your web browser.
Manually: If it doesn't open automatically, simply open your web browser (like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) and type southwestwifi.com into the address bar. This will take you directly to the portal.
Step 3: Navigating the Free Entertainment Oasis
Welcome to your inflight entertainment hub! Here's what you can expect to find and how to make the most of it.
Sub-heading: What's Free and What Requires the App
Free Movies: This is the gem! Southwest offers a rotating selection of free movies, including both new releases and classic favorites. To watch these, you'll need the Southwest® App you downloaded in Step 1.
Free Live TV: Catch up on news, sports, and your favorite shows with free live TV channels. This usually includes popular channels like ABC, CNN, ESPN, FOX News, and NFL Network. Live TV typically does not require the app and can be streamed directly through the web portal. However, due to licensing restrictions, live TV may not be available for the full duration of international flights.
Free On-Demand TV Series: Enjoy a selection of TV shows on demand. Similar to movies, some of these may require the Southwest® App for optimal viewing.
Free Music: Groove to tunes with free music options, often powered by iHeartRadio. Like live TV, this usually does not require the app.
Free Messaging: Stay connected with friends and family on the ground. Southwest offers free messaging through iMessage and WhatsApp. You'll need to have these apps downloaded and activated on your device before connecting to SouthwestWiFi. This service only allows access to these two messaging platforms.
Flight Tracker: Keep tabs on your flight's progress, estimated arrival time, and even view a map of your journey. This is a handy feature accessible directly through the portal without the app.
City Guides: Discover tips and tricks for your destination, including recommendations for dining, lodging, and activities.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Streaming
No High-Bandwidth Streaming Services: While Southwest offers free movies and TV, their Wi-Fi for general internet access (which costs $8 per device, per flight, unless you qualify for free Wi-Fi as a Business Select passenger or A-List Preferred member) prohibits access to high-bandwidth streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO Max. This is why downloading content beforehand or utilizing Southwest's free movie library is key!
Wi-Fi Availability: While Southwest offers Wi-Fi on most of its flights, availability and speed can vary depending on the aircraft and route. On international routes, Wi-Fi is generally available only during the domestic portion of your trip.
Step 4: Enhancing Your Inflight Entertainment Experience
You've got the basics down, now let's think about how to make your free movie experience even better!
Sub-heading: Beyond the Screen
Download Content Beforehand (Beyond Southwest's Library): If there's a specific movie or show you absolutely must watch that isn't in Southwest's free selection, download it to your device from your preferred streaming service before your flight. This is the only way to guarantee access to your personal library without relying on the paid Wi-Fi.
Bring a Portable Charger/Power Bank: Even if your device is fully charged, a portable charger can be a lifesaver, especially on longer flights or if you're using your device extensively.
Comfort is Key: Consider bringing a neck pillow, a small blanket, and comfortable clothing to truly relax and immerse yourself in your movie.
Snacks and Drinks: While Southwest offers complimentary snacks and beverages, bringing your own favorite treats can further enhance your movie-watching pleasure.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy a fantastic array of free entertainment on your next Southwest Airlines flight, turning your journey into a more enjoyable and relaxing experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to access the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal?
You can access the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal by connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network on your personal device and then either waiting for the portal to open automatically or by manually navigating to southwestwifi.com in your web browser.
How to watch movies on Southwest Airlines?
To watch free movies on Southwest Airlines, you need to download the Southwest® App on your mobile device or tablet before your flight. Once onboard and connected to "SouthwestWiFi", you can access the movie library through the app within the Inflight Entertainment Portal.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines?
While general internet access costs $8 per device per flight, you can get free Wi-Fi on Southwest if you are a Business Select passenger or an A-List Preferred member. Additionally, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers 365 annual Wi-Fi credits.
How to use messaging services on Southwest flights for free?
You can use iMessage and WhatsApp for free messaging on Southwest flights. Ensure these apps are downloaded and activated on your device before connecting to the "SouthwestWiFi" network. Other messaging apps are not supported.
How to know if my Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
Most Southwest flights are Wi-Fi enabled. You can typically find information about Wi-Fi availability on your specific flight through the Southwest app or by checking with a gate agent or flight attendant before or during boarding.
How to charge devices on Southwest Airlines flights?
Currently, not all Southwest planes have in-seat power outlets. It's highly recommended to fully charge your devices before your flight and consider bringing a portable power bank to ensure your entertainment lasts the entire journey. Southwest is in the process of adding USB-A and USB-C ports to their fleet.
How to stream Netflix or other streaming services on Southwest?
You cannot directly stream Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or similar high-bandwidth streaming services on Southwest's paid Wi-Fi. Their system blocks these services to maintain stability. The best way to watch content from these platforms is to download it to your device beforehand for offline viewing.
How to listen to music on Southwest Airlines?
You can listen to free music on Southwest flights through the Inflight Entertainment Portal, often powered by iHeartRadio. Simply connect to "SouthwestWiFi" and access the music section on the portal.
How to track my flight on Southwest Airlines?
The Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal includes a free flight tracker feature. Once connected to "SouthwestWiFi" and on the portal, you can easily view your flight's progress, remaining time, and route.
How to ensure a smooth entertainment experience on Southwest?
For a smooth entertainment experience, download the Southwest® App before your flight, ensure your devices are fully charged, and bring your own headphones. Connecting to "SouthwestWiFi" and accessing the portal at southwestwifi.com are the final steps to unlock your free inflight entertainment.
