How much does Wi-Fi cost on a Southwest Airlines flight?

Southwest Wi-Fi is complimentary for Rapid Rewards members as of October 2025. If you are not a member or do not want to sign up for free, you can also still purchase Wi-Fi access for $8 per flight.

How can I get free Wi-Fi on a Southwest flight?

Anyone can access free TV and movies on any Wi-Fi-enabled Southwest flight. If you are a member of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program, you can also access Wi-Fi for free. If you are not a member and do not want to sign up, you can purchase Wi-Fi access for $8 per flight per device.

Since when is Wi-Fi free on Southwest flights?

Southwest introduced free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members as of October 2025, sponsored by T-Mobile. Before that, Wi-Fi access cost $8 per flight per device.

Guide to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi and Inflight Entertainment

Updated: February 2, 2026, 7:09am CST

Edited by:

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
Southwest Inflight Entertainment
Final Thoughts

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Key Takeaways

The inflight entertainment portal provides access to on-demand movies, live TV shows, music, and messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp, for free, on your device.
Southwest Airlines offers Wi-Fi for free to Rapid Rewards members on most flights.
On some international flights, Wi-Fi may not be available during part or all of the flight.

Many travelers lump Southwest into the budget airline category, but it has a surprisingly strong inflight entertainment platform that offers movies, on-demand TV, and even live TV on select channels. Though seatback monitors aren’t on all Southwest planes, the entire fleet is equipped with Wi-Fi, and you can stream content on your personal device after connecting to the onboard network.

Let’s get to the details of Southwest’s inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi, so you know how to access it on your next flight.

Southwest Inflight Entertainment

Southwest Airlines offers an inflight entertainment portal that includes many free features. You can watch live and on-demand TV, stream movies, listen to music, and follow the flight tracker to see how much flight time remains.

The free inflight entertainment, including movies, TV, and music, is not available for the full duration of international flights and is typically only available for the portion over U.S. airspace.

How To Access Wi-Fi on Your Southwest Flight

Turn on your Wi-Fi-enabled device and set it to airplane mode. Make sure your Wi-Fi is still on while in airplane mode.
Go to your available wireless networks and select the “SouthwestWiFi” network to connect.
Launch your Internet browser for immediate access to the Southwest Airlines Hotspot portal, or type southwestwifi.com in the address bar.

Southwest may prohibit access to certain high-bandwidth applications, websites, and video conferencing services, and may also restrict potentially offensive online content.

Cost of Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines

Access to the internet on a Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft used to cost $8 per flight, but as of October 2025, it is complimentary for all Rapid Rewards members, sponsored by T-Mobile. Since you can join Rapid Rewards for free, anyone can get Wi-Fi for free on Southwest flights. This gives you access to browse the web, check email, or use social media.

Although T-Mobile is the sponsor for Southwest’s free Wi-Fi, you do not have to be a T-Mobile subscriber to access free Wi-Fi on Southwest flights. You only need to be a Southwest Rapid Rewards member, and you can sign up for free. If you aren’t a Rapid Rewards member and don’t want to sign up, you can still access Wi-Fi on Southwest flights by purchasing it for $8 per flight.

Hot Tip:

If you don’t remember your Rapid Rewards number, you can still access complimentary Wi-Fi with your flight confirmation number as long as your rewards number is tied to the reservation.

Free Live TV

The Southwest inflight entertainment portal offers lots of free entertainment during your flight, including 12 live TV channels:

ABC
CBS
CNBC
CNN
ESPN
FOX

Fox News
HGTV
NBC
NFL Network
TBS
USA

Free TV on Demand

There is also a selection of free on-demand TV shows available to view during your flight. These change occasionally, but have included popular shows such as “Parks and Recreation,” “The Office,” “Chopped,” and “Cocomelon.”

Hot Tip:

Southwest is making improvements to inflight Wi-Fi speed and bandwidth, as well as adding USB-A and USB-C power ports to its newest planes. However, most Southwest aircraft do not have power ports.

Movies

You can view select movies for free in the browser at any time during your flight.

Music

You can listen to music for free during your flight with iHeartRadio.

Free Texting

If you would like to stay in contact with your friends and family during your flight, you can text via iMessage and WhatsApp for free on your personal device.

Bottom Line:

The Southwest inflight entertainment portal offers free live and on-demand TV, music, and movies, as well as free texting. Internet access via the Wi-Fi used to cost $8 per device per flight, but is now also complimentary as of October 2025.

Final Thoughts

Southwest offers lots of free inflight entertainment, including live TV, music, and movies. Wi-Fi access is now also complimentary for Rapid Rewards members. Joining Rapid Rewards is free, but if you do not want to become a member, you can also purchase Wi-Fi access for $8.