As one of the largest low-cost carriers in the United States, Southwest Airlines has been a favorite among travelers for its affordable fares and excellent customer service. However, one of the most significant perks of flying with Southwest is its free internet offer. In this article, we will explore the various ways to get free internet on Southwest, including the airline’s policies, promotions, and hacks to help you stay connected during your flight.
Understanding Southwest’s Internet Policy
Before we dive into the ways to get free internet on Southwest, it’s essential to understand the airline’s internet policy. Southwest offers internet access on most of its flights, but the availability and speed of the connection may vary depending on the aircraft and route.
Southwest’s Internet Options
Southwest offers two internet options:
- Gate-to-Gate Wi-Fi: This option allows passengers to access the internet from the moment they board the plane until they land. Gate-to-Gate Wi-Fi is available on most Southwest flights, but the speed and availability of the connection may vary.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Southwest’s in-flight entertainment system offers a range of movies, TV shows, and music that can be streamed directly to your device. While this option doesn’t provide internet access, it’s a great way to stay entertained during your flight.
Getting Free Internet on Southwest
Now that we’ve covered Southwest’s internet policy, let’s explore the ways to get free internet on Southwest.
Southwest’s Free Internet Promotions
Southwest occasionally offers free internet promotions to its passengers. These promotions can be a great way to get free internet on your flight, but they’re usually limited to specific routes or travel dates.
- Southwest’s Free Internet Trial: Southwest has offered a free internet trial on select flights in the past. During this trial, passengers can access the internet for free, but the promotion is usually limited to a specific route or travel date.
- Southwest’s Partnership with Google: In 2019, Southwest partnered with Google to offer free internet on select flights. While this promotion is no longer available, it’s possible that Southwest may partner with Google again in the future.
Using Southwest’s Free Internet Hacks
If you’re not eligible for Southwest’s free internet promotions, there are still ways to get free internet on your flight. Here are some hacks to help you stay connected:
- Use Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment System: While Southwest’s in-flight entertainment system doesn’t provide internet access, it’s a great way to stay entertained during your flight. You can stream movies, TV shows, and music directly to your device, and the system is free to use.
- Bring a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: If you have a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, you can use it to access the internet during your flight. Just be sure to check with Southwest’s policies on using portable Wi-Fi hotspots on board.
- Use a VPN: If you have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) subscription, you can use it to access the internet during your flight. Just be sure to check with Southwest’s policies on using VPNs on board.
Southwest’s Internet Packages
If you’re not eligible for Southwest’s free internet promotions or hacks, you can still purchase an internet package to stay connected during your flight. Here are Southwest’s internet packages:
- $8 per Day: This package provides internet access for one day, and it’s available on most Southwest flights.
- $2 per Hour: This package provides internet access for one hour, and it’s available on most Southwest flights.
How to Purchase an Internet Package
To purchase an internet package on Southwest, follow these steps:
- Connect to Southwest’s Wi-Fi network on your device.
- Open a web browser and navigate to Southwest’s internet portal.
- Select the internet package you want to purchase and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
Conclusion
Getting free internet on Southwest is possible, but it requires some planning and research. By understanding Southwest’s internet policy, taking advantage of its free internet promotions, and using its free internet hacks, you can stay connected during your flight without breaking the bank. Remember to always check with Southwest’s policies on using portable Wi-Fi hotspots and VPNs on board, and consider purchasing an internet package if you’re not eligible for free internet.
Additional Tips
- Book a Flight with Free Internet: If you’re booking a flight on Southwest, consider booking a flight that offers free internet. You can check Southwest’s website for flights that offer free internet.
- Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card: If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may be able to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free internet on Southwest.
- Consider a Different Airline: If you’re not set on flying with Southwest, consider flying with a different airline that offers free internet. Some airlines, such as JetBlue and Delta, offer free internet on select flights.
By following these tips and using the strategies outlined in this article, you can get free internet on Southwest and stay connected during your flight.
What is Southwest Airlines’ policy on in-flight internet?
Southwest Airlines offers in-flight internet on most of its flights, allowing passengers to stay connected while in the air. The airline has partnered with various internet service providers to offer Wi-Fi on its aircraft. However, the availability and quality of the internet connection may vary depending on the flight route, aircraft type, and other factors.
Passengers can check the airline’s website or mobile app to see if their flight offers Wi-Fi. They can also look for the “Wi-Fi” symbol on the in-flight entertainment portal or ask the flight attendants for more information. It’s worth noting that Southwest Airlines’ in-flight internet is not free for all passengers, but there are ways to get it for free, which we’ll discuss in the following FAQs.
How can I get free internet on Southwest Airlines?
There are a few ways to get free internet on Southwest Airlines. One way is to be a Rapid Rewards member with A-List or A-List Preferred status. These members get free Wi-Fi on all flights, as well as other perks like priority boarding and extra points. Another way is to be a passenger on a flight that offers free Wi-Fi as a promotion or trial. Southwest Airlines occasionally offers free Wi-Fi on select flights or routes, so it’s worth checking the airline’s website or social media for announcements.
Additionally, passengers can also get free internet by purchasing a certain type of ticket or add-on. For example, passengers who book a Business Select ticket get free Wi-Fi, as well as other amenities like extra legroom and priority boarding. Passengers can also purchase a Wi-Fi add-on for a fee, but this may not be the most cost-effective option. We’ll discuss more ways to get free internet on Southwest Airlines in the following FAQs.
What is the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program?
The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program is the airline’s loyalty program, which rewards passengers for flying with Southwest Airlines. Members earn points for every flight they take, and these points can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other perks. The program has several tiers, including Member, A-List, and A-List Preferred, each with its own set of benefits and requirements.
Passengers can join the Rapid Rewards program for free on the Southwest Airlines website. They can earn points by flying with Southwest Airlines, using a Southwest Airlines credit card, or shopping with partner merchants. The program is a great way for frequent flyers to get rewarded for their loyalty and enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi, priority boarding, and extra points.
How much does Wi-Fi cost on Southwest Airlines?
The cost of Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines varies depending on the flight route, aircraft type, and internet service provider. On most flights, Wi-Fi costs $8 per device, per day. However, passengers can also purchase a Wi-Fi add-on for a fee, which can range from $10 to $30 per flight, depending on the route and internet service provider.
It’s worth noting that some credit cards and loyalty programs offer free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines as a benefit. For example, passengers who have a Southwest Airlines credit card or are Rapid Rewards members with A-List or A-List Preferred status get free Wi-Fi on all flights. Passengers can check the airline’s website or mobile app for more information on Wi-Fi pricing and promotions.
Can I use my phone’s hotspot on a Southwest Airlines flight?
Yes, passengers can use their phone’s hotspot on a Southwest Airlines flight, but there are some limitations. Passengers can use their phone’s hotspot to connect to the internet, but they will need to purchase a Wi-Fi add-on or have a subscription to a mobile hotspot service. Additionally, the quality and availability of the internet connection may vary depending on the flight route, aircraft type, and internet service provider.
It’s also worth noting that using a phone’s hotspot on a flight may not be the most cost-effective option. Passengers may incur data charges from their mobile carrier, and the internet connection may not be as fast or reliable as the in-flight Wi-Fi. Passengers can check with their mobile carrier for more information on data charges and coverage.
Is Southwest Airlines’ in-flight internet fast and reliable?
Southwest Airlines’ in-flight internet is generally fast and reliable, but the quality and availability of the connection may vary depending on the flight route, aircraft type, and internet service provider. The airline has partnered with various internet service providers to offer Wi-Fi on its aircraft, and the internet connection is typically fast enough for browsing, emailing, and streaming.
However, passengers may experience some delays or disruptions in the internet connection, especially during takeoff and landing. Additionally, the internet connection may not be available on all flights or routes, so passengers should check the airline’s website or mobile app for more information. Overall, Southwest Airlines’ in-flight internet is a convenient and reliable way for passengers to stay connected while in the air.
Can I stream movies and TV shows on Southwest Airlines’ in-flight internet?
Yes, passengers can stream movies and TV shows on Southwest Airlines’ in-flight internet, but the quality and availability of the connection may vary depending on the flight route, aircraft type, and internet service provider. The airline has partnered with various streaming services to offer in-flight entertainment, and passengers can access these services through the in-flight entertainment portal.
Passengers can also stream their own content from their devices, but they will need to purchase a Wi-Fi add-on or have a subscription to a streaming service. The internet connection is typically fast enough for streaming, but passengers may experience some delays or disruptions, especially during takeoff and landing. It’s also worth noting that some streaming services may not be available on all flights or routes, so passengers should check the airline’s website or mobile app for more information.