Guide to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi & Inflight Entertainment

- UPDATED: May 22, 2021 |

Travel /
Airlines

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Gone are the days when you had to endure an entire flight without much entertainment.

Do you remember when you had to bring a physical book or magazine? Or when you had to lug around a portable CD player or Walkman complete with a bunch of tapes or CDs (and batteries!)?

While I might be dating myself, I am thankful that there are so many more options available today.

I’ve written a lot about Southwest Airlines in the past, and they are my favorite domestic airline (but they fly to international destinations too). My love affair with Southwest continues when it comes to their inflight entertainment, much of which is free!

Table of contents

Southwest Inflight Entertainment
How to Connect to Southwest Wi-Fi
- Required Devices
How to Get FREE Wi-Fi on a Southwest Flight
- Free Wi-Fi Entertainment
- Earn A-List Preferred Status
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Southwest Inflight Entertainment
How to Connect to Southwest Wi-Fi
- Required Devices
How to Get FREE Wi-Fi on a Southwest Flight
- Free Wi-Fi Entertainment
- Earn A-List Preferred Status
Final Thoughts

Southwest Inflight Entertainment

Southwest offers an inflight entertainment portal that includes many free features. You can watch live and on-demand TV, watch movies, listen to music, and follow along with the flight tracker so you know just how much flight time remains.

While not all of Southwest’s planes are Wi-Fi enabled, I have found that a majority of them are. I fly Southwest a lot, and have only come across 1 plane that did not offer Wi-Fi.

Southwest Wifi banner — Image Credit: Southwest

Keep in mind that the free inflight entertainment and even the movies you pay for are NOT available on international flights. However, you can generally use the Wi-Fi until you actually cross an international border.

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 “Southwest WiFi” to connect.
Launch your Internet browser for immediate access to the Southwest Airlines Hotspot portal, or type www.southwestwifi.com in the address bar.
The Southwest inflight entertainment portal offers a flight tracker, free live TV, free on demand TV, free music and movies, and access to the internet for $8 per device. Image Credit: Southwestwifi.com

Cost of Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines

You can access the internet on a Wi-Fi enabled aircraft for $8 per day per device. This gets you access to browse the web, check emails, or access social media. However, Southwest also offers some inflight entertainment free of charge.

Free Live TV

The Southwest inflight entertainment portal offers lots of free entertainment during your flight, including 16 live TV channels:

Bravo
MSNBC
CNBC
CBS2
Fox5
Fox News
NFL Network
HGTV
ESPN
ESPN2
NBC 4
FX
Discovery
USA
Disney
CNN

Free On Demand TV

There is also a selection of free on demand TV shows available to view during your flight. These change occasionally, but have included shows like Cake Boss and Who Do You Think You Are.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be flying during Shark Week! In addition to offering an array of shark-centric documentaries that will make your time in the air fly by, Southwest celebrates like no other airline can!

Movies

To view movies, you will need to download the Airtime Player app from the App Store or Google Play store prior to departure.

Movies are free and available to be streamed at any time during your flight.

You can view a movie during multiple flights on the same day, so there is no need to worry about finishing your movie before your layover.

Music

You can listen to music during your flight for free with iHeartRadio and Southwest.fm. This is a new feature, and it’s only available on select aircraft now.

You can also listen free through your pre-downloaded iHeartRadio app without having to purchase inflight Wi-Fi.

Messaging

If you would like an inexpensive way to stay in contact with your friends and family during your flight, you can purchase a Messaging package for $2 per day per device. This allows you to access messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Viber.

Be sure to download your chosen app before your flight. Messaging capabilities are also included in the full internet access package for $8.

Bottom Line: The Southwest inflight entertainment portal offers free live and on demand TV and music. An all-day internet package will cost $8 per device — or you can purchase a movie for $5 per device per day, or spend just $2 for messaging capabilities.

How to Connect to Southwest Wi-Fi

Required Devices

Before you board your flight, make sure you have a compatible device. Most of us probably carry at least 1 of these with us at all times!

Laptops and Macs
- Operating System: Windows 7 or higher; OSX 10.9 or higher
- Browser: Internet Explorer 10 or higher; Firefox version 47 or higher; Google Chrome version 51 or higher, Safari version 9 or higher
iOS Mobile and Tablets
- Operating System: iOS 9.0 and above
- Plug-In: Airtime app available for free from Apple App Store
Android Mobile and Tablets
- Operating System: Android 5.0 and above
- Plug-In: Airtime app available for free from Google Play Store

Hot Tip: Be sure to download the free Airtime Player app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before you board your flight!

How to Get FREE Wi-Fi on a Southwest Flight

Wi-Fi is great…but it’s better when it’s free, right? Thankfully, Southwest offers much of its inflight entertainment free to everyone.

Free Wi-Fi Entertainment

Much of the Wi-Fi enabled inflight entertainment is already free on Southwest flights. You will have access to on demand and live TV for free, plus access to iHeartRadio music stations.

To access Wi-Fi for browsing the web, you’ll need to pay $8 per day per device.

Earn A-List Preferred Status

If you are an A-List Preferred member, you can access Southwest Wi-Fi without the $8 per day charge.

Southwest A List Preferred — Image Credit: Southwest

To earn A-List Preferred status, you need to fly 50 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.

Tier qualifying points are earned from purchasing a revenue flight or by using the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, or Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card.

Both the business and personal versions of these cards earn tier qualifying points.

Bottom Line: Southwest Airlines waives the $8 per day per device Wi-Fi fee for A-List Preferred Status members.

Final Thoughts

Southwest does a lot of things right, including free checked bags and not charging fees to change your flight.

They also offer lots of free inflight entertainment including live TV, on-demand TV, and music.

If you would prefer full access to the internet, you can purchase a day pass for $8, though loyal Southwest customers who achieve A-List Preferred status get this fee waived.

Featured Image Credit: Aradaphotography via Shutterstock.com

Frequently asked questions

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

You can purchase an internet package for $8 per day per device to access the internet. You can purchase messaging capabilities for $2 per day per device. The charge to rent a movie is $5 per day per device. Southwest also offers free live and on demand TV plus music through their inflight entertainment portal.

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

Anyone can access free live and on demand TV plus music on any Wi-Fi enabled Southwest flight. If you are an A-List Preferred member, you can get the $8 fee for full internet waived.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie fell in love with travel during a semester abroad in college spent in Nottingham, England. During that time, she got to see Scotland, Ireland, London, and Amsterdam and knew she wanted to see more of the world. Fast forward to 2015 when Katie discovered the world of points and miles. She jumped in full force and hasn’t looked back. After starting her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016, she began freelance writing in 2017. In addition to being a contributor to Upgraded Points since 2018, she’s also written for Million Mile Secrets.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

29 comments

jeff alley October 20, 2018
I love the wifi, but every time I login from my phone and go to southwestwifi.com, I have to enter all of my credit card info. This is inconvenient prone to error as I’m typing on such a small keyboard. Can’t southwest just use my preferred card that is tied to my rewards account?
Thanks,
Jeff
Reply
- Katie Seemann October 22, 2018
  Hi Jeff, I agree – it would be great if you could charge the wifi cost to a saved credit card! That would make it even more convenient.
  Reply
Raymond Ebanks February 15, 2019
Why does my IP address say Los Angeles when I use Facebook on SouthWest’s inflight internet?
Reply
- Erin Miller February 16, 2019
  Hi Raymond, please be advised we are not Southwest Airlines, nor are we an IT company so we really have no idea as to why this is the case. Maybe another reader can help you out…
  Reply
Janine Christian June 16, 2019
My husband has a Macbook and can’t watch movies on it on with Southwest. He can watch TV but movies will not work, any suggestions?
Reply
- Jarrod West June 17, 2019
  Hi Janine,
  Is this through the Southwest WiFi, or are you referring to movies that were downloaded to his laptop prior to the flight? Have you spoken with Southwest about this issue?
  Reply
  - Keely September 15, 2019
    I’m having the same issue. I can watch TV but not movies streaming from airtime/Southwest app.
    Reply
    - Jarrod West September 16, 2019
      Hi Keely,
      Have you spoken with the Southwest service team about this issue? I’ve been able to watch movies without any issue through the Southwest app on my last few flights with them.
      Reply
      - Jeff October 15, 2019
        Have you watched movies on a MacBook? I watch movies also, but only the iOS devices work. The help says go to the app store and download Airtime or the free SW app (neither are available for OSx for Mac) just iOS for mobile devices. I have read the help online and it is inaccurate and not helpful. I have also reached out to SW, nothing back yet. Millions of Mac’s in use how can this be so hard on SW?
      - Jarrod West October 18, 2019
        Hi Jeff,
        I have never tried watching anything on my MacBook. I usually just stream entertainment from my iPhone and have never had any issues. I’m shocked to hear that Southwest has not responded back to you, as they are usually pretty timely with their customer service. When did you reach out to them?
Judy gordon September 10, 2019
Can I access my Netflix account using southwest’s wifi while flying?
Reply
- Jarrod West September 11, 2019
  Hi Judy,
  Yes, you can! You can also download shows through the Netflix app to watch when you do not have Wifi.
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
Trey Hill October 7, 2019
When I purchase wifi on the first plane, does it transfer to the next one because it’s “$8 per day”?
Reply
- Andrew Kunesh October 8, 2019
  Hi Trey, you’re correct, your $8 internet fee will give you access to Wi-Fi on all Southwest flights taken within a 24-hour period. Thanks!
  Reply
Michele Moyer October 8, 2019
Can I download an app on my HP tablet to watch the movies? I am having trouble figuring out how to do it. I was able to get it on my S8 phone. Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Reply
- Katie Seemann October 9, 2019
  Hi Michele,
  You should be able to download the app to an HP tablet to watch the movies. Here are the requirements:
  Laptops and Macs
  Operating System: Windows 7 or higher; OSX 10.9 or higher
  Browser: Internet Explorer 10 or higher; Firefox version 47 or higher; Google Chrome version 51 or higher, Safari version 9 or higher
  iOS Mobile and Tablets
  Operating System: iOS 9.0 and above
  Plug-In: Airtime app available for free from Apple App Store
  Android Mobile and Tablets
  Operating System: Android 5.0 and above
  Plug-In: Airtime app available for free from Google Play Store
  Reply
  - Michele November 7, 2019
    Where do you go to get the app if you have a Windows laptop? When I try the Google Play Store won’t let me download the app.
    Reply
    - Andrew Kunesh November 7, 2019
      Hi Michele, you can only download the app to an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. You do not need an app on your computer to view Southwest content — just connect your laptop to the inflight Wi-Fi once you’re on the plane. You will be directed to a website where you can stream Southwest’s inflight entertainment options. Thanks!
      Reply
Heather October 10, 2019
How do you get the apps on your laptop. I am able to get them on my phone but not my pc. I would like to be able to watch movies on a bigger screen while flying on Southwest.
Reply
- Katie Seemann October 10, 2019
  Hi Heather,
  First make sure your laptop has the required operating system. Here’s that info:
  Laptops and Macs
  Operating System: Windows 7 or higher; OSX 10.9 or higher
  Browser: Internet Explorer 10 or higher; Firefox version 47 or higher; Google Chrome version 51 or higher, Safari version 9 or higher
  iOS Mobile and Tablets
  Operating System: iOS 9.0 and above
  Plug-In: Airtime app available for free from Apple App Store
  Android Mobile and Tablets
  Operating System: Android 5.0 and above
  Plug-In: Airtime app available for free from Google Play Store
  If you’re still having trouble you might need to contact Southwest to see if they can help you. You can also try the Southwest Airlines forums to see if someone there might be able to help you: https://www.southwestaircommunity.com/
  Good luck.
  Reply
Phil October 15, 2019
I can hook up to WiFi with iPad but inflight entertainment won’t load half the time and can’t watch movies half the time. I had updated the app a while back.
Reply
Richard Lindgren November 10, 2019
What is the name of the laser ball game you have on board and where can I download it?
Reply
- Erin Miller November 10, 2019
  Hi Richard, please be advised we are not Southwest Airlines. We are Upgraded Points, a website dedicated to publishing points and miles based travel content along with other travel-related articles such as this SWA guide.
  As such, we do not have access to the list of in-flight games SWA has on board. You could try calling their customer service line at 1-800-435-9792. Hope this helps!
  Reply
mike caldwell November 19, 2019
How do you access wifi paid for on an earlier flight after a plane change? There does not seem to be a cookie on my notebook so there is no recognition that I paid for the day.
Reply
- Jarrod West November 20, 2019
  Hi Mike,
  The payment should be attached to your IP address, allowing you to access their internet for multiple flights. If this was not the case for you then I would reach out to Southwest directly about this issue for a resolution.
  Reply
Daniel Bogenschuetz November 25, 2019
When I watch TV on my Samsung phone the show freezes the picture but not the volume.
Reply
- Jarrod West November 25, 2019
  Hi Daniel,
  That is very unusual. Have you contacted the Southwest customer service team directly about this? They might be able to help!
  Reply
Dan S. January 20, 2020
If I get the Wifi, can I connection to my ATT Uverse App and stream live TV? I want to watch a game that is on ESPNU, not ESPN or ESPN2. Thanks.
Reply
- Jarrod West January 21, 2020
  Hi Dan,
  I cannot say definitively as we do not represent Southwest. According to their website, they state: “In order to provide a top-notch WiFi experience, we prohibit access to certain high-bandwidth applications and websites, including Netflix, HBO GO, and VoIP”
  I’m not sure if the ATT Uverse App would necessarily classify as a high-bandwidth application, but I suggest you reach out to Southwest directly to know for certain.
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply

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Guide to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi & Inflight Entertainment

Southwest Inflight Entertainment