Does Southwest Have Wi-Fi? Cost, Free Options and How to Connect
By John··
Southwest’s Wi-Fi and entertainment options allow you to stream live TV, text your friends, or browse the web. In this guide, we’ll break down how to connect, how much it costs, and even how to get free Southwest Wi-Fi.
Does Southwest Have Wi-Fi?
Yes! Southwest offers Wi-Fi on most of its flights. The speed and availability may vary depending on the aircraft and your flight route, but you can generally stay connected throughout domestic flights. However, on international routes, Wi-Fi is available only during the domestic portion of your trip. Even better, it's now free for Rapid Rewards members, and Southwest is rolling out much faster Starlink Wi-Fi, with more than 300 planes expected to have it by the end of 2026.
Since Southwest doesn't have seatback screens, you’ll need your own device to access Southwest's entertainment options.
Enjoy free movies while connected to Southwest Wi-Fi.
How to Connect to Southwest Wi-Fi
Connecting to Southwest Wi-Fi is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Turn your device to airplane mode and turn on Wi-Fi.
- Look for the "Southwest WiFi" network in your device’s network list and connect.
- Open your web browser and go to southwestwifi.com.
- From there, log in with your Rapid Rewards username, member number or confirmation number for free internet access, or pay for it if you're not a member. You can also open the free entertainment portal.
Once you’re connected, you can enjoy live TV, movies, music, and free messaging. One catch: on the newer Starlink planes, the onboard portal's movies and live TV aren't available, but the Wi-Fi is fast enough to stream from your own apps instead.
Easily connect to Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi during your flight.
How Much Does Southwest Wi-Fi Cost?
Southwest Wi-Fi is free for Rapid Rewards members, thanks to a T-Mobile sponsorship that started on October 24, 2025. If you're not a member, it's $8 per device, per flight. Either way, you can browse the internet, check emails, and access social media. However, on most planes Southwest blocks high-bandwidth applications like Netflix, Zoom, and HBO Max to maintain stability. The exception is the newer Starlink planes, where you can stream shows from your own apps.
If you have a connecting flight, you’ll need to pay $8 for each leg of your trip unless you qualify for free Wi-Fi.
Southwest Airlines offers free inflight entertainment and affordable Wi-Fi options.
How To Get Free Southwest Wi-Fi
If you want to avoid paying for Wi-Fi, good news: it's a lot easier than it used to be. Here's how the options stack up now:
1. Join Rapid Rewards
Since October 24, 2025, every Rapid Rewards member gets free Wi-Fi thanks to T-Mobile, no matter which phone carrier you use. Signing up is free, and you can even do it onboard. Business Select used to be the fare that came with free Wi-Fi, but Southwest replaced it with Choice Extra, and none of the new fares (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra) list Wi-Fi as a perk since members get it free anyway.
2. Earn A-List Preferred Status
Southwest’s top-tier elite members with A-List Preferred status can enjoy free Wi-Fi on all flights, including international routes. That said, it's no longer an exclusive perk since every Rapid Rewards member gets free Wi-Fi now. To qualify for status, you need either:
- 40 one-way flights or
- 70,000 Tier-Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
3. Use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
This credit card used to provide 365 $8 Wi-Fi credits each year, but those credits ended after 2025 when Chase refreshed the card. It doesn't matter much now, since cardholders are Rapid Rewards members and get free Wi-Fi anyway.
What Entertainment Comes with Southwest Wi-Fi?
Southwest’s free inflight entertainment includes:
Live TV Channels
Watch popular live TV channels like:
- ABC
- CBS
- CNN
- ESPN
- FOX News
- NBC
Catch live TV shows and sports with Southwest's free inflight entertainment.
On-Demand TV
You can stream TV shows like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation" without paying extra.
Movies
Southwest offers a selection of free movies, including new releases, which you can stream directly in your browser.
Music
Enjoy free music through iHeartRadio.
Free Messaging
Stay in touch with friends and family using iMessage and WhatsApp.
Flight Tracker
Keep track of your flight’s location with Southwest’s flight tracker.
Can I Buy Southwest Wi-Fi in Advance?
Currently, Southwest does not offer the option to pre-purchase Wi-Fi before your flight. You can only pay for it once you’re on board by accessing southwestwifi.com. If you're a Rapid Rewards member, there's nothing to buy anyway.
FAQs about Southwest Wi-Fi
Is Southwest Wi-Fi reliable?
Wi-Fi reliability depends on the aircraft and route, but Southwest continues to improve its service by increasing bandwidth. Its first Starlink plane started flying in June 2026, and Southwest expects more than 300 planes to have it by the end of 2026. For simple activities like messaging, you shouldn't see any issues.
Can I stream Netflix on Southwest Wi-Fi?
On most planes, no. Southwest blocks high-bandwidth applications like Netflix and Zoom to maintain stable connectivity for all passengers. The exception is the newer Starlink planes, where you can stream from your own apps. The Southwest app shows "WiFi Powered by Starlink" on your trip if your flight has it, though last-minute plane swaps can happen.
Is Wi-Fi available on all Southwest flights?
Most Southwest flights offer Wi-Fi, but availability can vary based on the aircraft and whether the flight is domestic or international.
How much is Southwest Wi-Fi for connecting flights?
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, it's free on every leg. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay $8 per device, per flight. For a trip with a layover, the fee will apply to both flight legs.
Does Southwest provide USB charging ports?
Southwest is adding USB-A and USB-C power ports on newer aircraft, so charging options may be available depending on the plane.
Can I Get Free Southwest Wi-Fi With T-Mobile?
Yes, sort of. Since October 24, 2025, T-Mobile has sponsored free Wi-Fi on Southwest, but it's tied to your Rapid Rewards membership, not your phone plan. Any Rapid Rewards member gets it free, whether you're on T-Mobile or not. If you're comparing airlines, check out our Alaska Airlines and United Airlines Wi-Fi guides too.
What Is the Southwest Wi-Fi Website?
To access Southwest’s Wi-Fi services and entertainment portal, go to southwestwifi.com once you’re connected to the onboard Wi-Fi network. This site provides access to both free and paid options, including live TV, movies, music, and full internet access.
Can I use my Southwest credit card to get free Wi-Fi?
You don't need one anymore. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card used to offer 365 annual Wi-Fi credits, but those ended after 2025. Since every Rapid Rewards member now gets free Wi-Fi, a free account does the job.
Final Thoughts
Southwest is keeping up with the times when it comes to Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment. Whether you're binge-watching "Parks and Recreation," tracking your flight, or texting your friends mid-air, they've got you covered. And while $8 for Wi-Fi isn’t bad, there's no reason to pay it now that Wi-Fi is free for Rapid Rewards members. Just sign up before you fly (or onboard).
So next time you fly, don’t forget to connect, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Just make sure your phone’s charged, your movies are downloaded (just in case), and you’re ready to stay connected at 30,000 feet. Safe travels and happy scrolling!
