Does Southwest Airlines Have Free WiFi?

Southwest Airlines is embracing the airline industry’s free WiFi trend by offering it to Rapid Rewards loyalty program members. Beginning on October 24, 2025, the airline will be the latest major carrier to provide passengers with the free service. Through a partnership with T-Mobile, based in Washington, Rapid Rewards members will be able to access free internet on all flights.

Here is an overview of Southwest WiFi, its prices, and the numerous entertainment options available on flights.

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Does Southwest Airlines Have WiFi?

Yes! On most of its flights, Southwest provides WiFi. However, there’s an exception: only A-List Preferred Members and Business Select clients are eligible for free WiFi.

While A-List Preferred Members traveling in Business Select can connect up to six devices per trip, they can enjoy internet access on up to three devices per flight. While traveling with them, all other passengers are required to purchase Southwest Airlines’ in-flight WiFi.

On domestic flights, you can usually stay connected, though the speed and availability may vary based on the aircraft and your flight path. However, WiFi is only accessible during the domestic portion of your journey when traveling internationally.

You will need your own device to access Southwest’s entertainment options because the airline does not have seatback screens.

How to Connect to Southwest WiFi?

Getting connected to Southwest WiFi is easy. Find out here how to connect to Southwest Airlines’ in-flight WiFi and explore our pricing options to stay connected throughout your journey.

Switch on WiFi and put your device in airplane mode.
Locate the “Southwest WiFi” network in the network list on your device and establish a connection.
Open your browser, then navigate to SouthwestWiFi.com.
From there, you have the option of paying for full internet access or enjoying free entertainment.
You may enjoy free chatting, movies, music, and live TV once you’re connected.

How Much Does Southwest WiFi Cost?

Southwest Airlines offers affordable and easy-to-use in-flight internet. All travelers can enjoy several complimentary services, including Live TV, on-demand entertainment, iMessage, WhatsApp, and iHeartRadio.

The airline costs $8 for a WiFi connection per device, per flight. This enables you to access social media, check emails, and explore the internet.

However, to preserve stability, Southwest restricts bandwidth-intensive apps like Netflix, Zoom, and HBO Max.

You will have to pay $8 for each leg of your journey if you have a connecting flight, unless you are eligible for free WiFi.

Southwest Onboard WiFi & Entertainment	Cost
WiFi Internet Access	$8 per device
Live TV	Free
Movies, Music, Messaging	Free

How To Get Free WiFi on Southwest Flights?

WiFi in airplanes is fantastic, and it’s even better when it’s free. Fortunately, Southwest has two options for free WiFi internet access while flying.

Get Preferred Status on the A-List: You can get free access to Southwest WiFi if you have an elite status with the A-List Preferred member.

To become an A-List Preferred member, you must fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or accrue 70,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year.
Tier-qualifying points can be earned by using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card or by buying a revenue flight.

Get the Southwest Business Credit Card: No other Southwest credit card offers free WiFi as a benefit, except the Southwest Performance Business card. Although it isn’t exactly boundless free WiFi, it comes very close.

With this card, you get 365 $8 WiFi credits to use on Southwest Airlines flights in 2025.
All you have to do is buy WiFi with your Southwest Performance Business card, and you’ll get a statement credit that will reimburse the charges.
However, this card doesn’t offer unlimited free WiFi, but it comes pretty close.

Southwest Inflight Entertainment

Numerous complimentary options are available on Southwest Airlines’ in-flight entertainment page. The airline offers the following complimentary in-flight entertainment:

Live TV Channels: Watch popular live TV channels like ABC, CNN, ESPN, NFL Network, and FOX News.
On-Demand TV: You may watch TV shows like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” without paying extra.
Movies: Southwest offers several free movies that you may watch directly from your computer browser, including new releases.
Music: You can enjoy free music through iHeartRadio.
Free Messaging: Use WhatsApp and iMessage to stay connected with loved ones.
Flight Tracker: Use Southwest’s flight tracker to find out where your flight is.

Final Words

Having WiFi on your trip can be extremely beneficial, regardless of whether you’re a business mogul on the road or a pleasure traveler. WiFi is available on Southwest flights, though whether you have to pay for it depends on the service you want and the price you’re paying.

Those seeking entertainment and easy communications can join Connection for free, even while watching live television. On the other hand, Southwest charges $8 per device, per flight, if you want extra access. You can use the service for a single charge during your trip because this fee will cover you even if you have a connecting flight.

FAQs

Does Southwest Airlines offer WiFi?

Indeed, Southwest Airlines offers WiFi to its passengers. Passengers can purchase it for $8 per device per day; however, elite status passengers can use free in-flight WiFi.

How much is Southwest Airlines ‘ WiFi?

A WiFi connection on Southwest Airlines costs $8 per device, per flight, and allows you to browse the internet, check emails, and access social media.