Staying connected while flying has become more of a necessity than a luxury in today’s digital age. Southwest Airlines recognizes this need and provides WiFi on many of its flights to keep passengers connected at 30,000 feet. This complete guide to using Southwest Airlines WiFi will help you understand the service, costs, and tips for accessing it for free. Contact us at +1 (786) 998–8963 for more details.
Does Southwest Airlines Have WiFi?
Yes, Southwest Airlines offers WiFi on most of its flights. The connectivity and speed can vary depending on the aircraft and the internet service provided. While the primary goal is to keep you connected, Southwest Airlines WiFi also compensates for the lack of seatback entertainment in its all-economy class fleet. Passengers need to connect to the WiFi system to access the airline’s entertainment options if they haven’t downloaded content to their devices beforehand.
How Much Does Southwest Airlines WiFi Cost?
The cost of using Southwest Airlines WiFi depends on your internet needs. Several online activities are available for free, including:
- Live TV
- On-demand entertainment
- iMessaging
- Music via iHeartRadio
For a more comprehensive internet experience, you can purchase Southwest Airlines WiFi for $8 per device, per flight. Business Select passengers receive full WiFi services for free. Note that this $8 fee is per individual flight, so if you have a layover, you’ll need to pay twice to stay connected unless you are flying Business Select. To maintain stable in-flight WiFi, Southwest blocks high-bandwidth applications like Netflix, HBO Max, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
How to Get Upgraded WiFi on Southwest Airlines for Free
Even though Southwest Airlines WiFi is reasonably priced, there are ways to access it for free:
Fly Business Select: Southwest’s highest fare class includes free WiFi on all enabled aircraft. Additional perks include priority boarding, a free drink on certain flights, and an elevated Rapid Rewards earn rate.
Elite Status: Southwest offers two elite status levels: A-List and A-List Preferred. A-List Preferred members enjoy free WiFi on all Southwest flights, including international ones. You can qualify for elite status by either flying a specific number of flights or earning a certain number of base points annually.
- A-List: 25 one-way flights or 35,000 Tier-Qualifying Points.
- A-List Preferred: 50 one-way flights or 70,000 Tier-Qualifying Points.
Credit Cards: Certain credit cards offer free WiFi on Southwest Airlines:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Comes with 365 $8 WiFi credits annually, providing free WiFi for up to 365 flight legs per year for a $199 annual fee.
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card: Includes a $100 annual airline incidental credit that can be used for WiFi, among other travel benefits.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be used for various travel expenses, including WiFi, for a $550 annual fee.
- Citi Prestige® Card: Provides a $250 annual travel credit applicable to WiFi charges, though it’s no longer available to new applicants.
Tips for Using Southwest Airlines WiFi
- Pre-Flight Preparation: Download any necessary apps, movies, or music before your flight to avoid relying solely on in-flight WiFi.
- Connect Early: Once on board, connect to Southwest Airlines WiFi early to ensure you can access the entertainment options and messaging services.
- Understand the Limitations: Be aware that high-bandwidth applications are blocked to ensure a stable connection for all passengers.
WiFi Comparison Across U.S. Airlines
In a recent analysis of onboard WiFi services by major U.S. airlines, Southwest Airlines WiFi was ranked based on factors like cost, availability, and discounts for co-branded cardholders or elite members. Southwest offers competitive pricing and options for free WiFi through various methods.
Having WiFi during your flight can be a huge advantage, whether for leisure or business. Southwest Airlines WiFi provides several options for in-flight connectivity, with some activities available for free and more extensive access for $8 per device, per flight. Passengers can reduce or eliminate these costs by flying Business Select, achieving elite status, or using credit cards that reimburse airline fees.
Stay connected with Southwest Airlines WiFi and enjoy a seamless in-flight internet experience. For more information, contact us at +1 (786) 998–8963.
