Curious what you can do online and onscreen on your next flight? This Southwest wifi guide explains how onboard internet and inflight entertainment work on Southwest Airlines, what tends to be free, what you may pay for, and how to prepare. Programs change often, so use this as a guide and confirm before you fly.
We're an independent travel agency — not Southwest Airlines and not affiliated with or endorsed by them. But we book Southwest trips constantly, and our agents can help you choose the right fare. Call +1 (855) 302-0422 (24/7) and we'll walk you through your options.
Does Southwest have WiFi?
Most of Southwest's fleet offers Southwest wifi via satellite, delivered to your own phone, tablet or laptop — Southwest does not install seatback screens. Coverage and speed vary by aircraft and route. Older or out-of-service planes may have spottier connectivity, so assume nothing and verify when you book.
- Free messaging — basic texting on certain chat apps is commonly complimentary.
- Free live TV and streaming entertainment — Southwest often offers complimentary onboard TV, movies and music to your device.
- Paid full internet — broader browsing usually carries a flat per-device, per-day charge.
How much does Southwest WiFi cost?
Pricing changes and depends on the aircraft and route. We won't quote exact rates as fact — they vary. The table below shows the typical structure rather than guaranteed prices.
| Tier | What you typically get |
|---|---|
| Free messaging | Text-only chat apps, often complimentary |
| Free entertainment | Live TV, on-demand movies and music to your device |
| Full internet | Flat per-device daily charge for browsing |
| No service | Some flights/aircraft — plan offline |
Southwest inflight entertainment
Because there are no seatback screens, everything streams to your device through the onboard portal. Here's what to expect:
- Live TV — select channels, often free, on equipped aircraft.
- On-demand movies and shows — a rotating library streamed to your device.
- Music — streaming audio options on many flights.
- Power — USB power is available on many newer jets but not guaranteed.
How to get the most out of it
- Charge your device fully — there's no guaranteed power on every plane.
- Bring your own earbuds — Southwest doesn't hand out headphones for this.
- Connect early before bandwidth gets crowded.
- Download a backup movie in case satellite coverage dips.
Connectivity is one piece of a good trip. The fare you book and how you earn points matter too. If you fly Southwest often, learn how the Southwest Rapid Rewards program works so you earn and redeem efficiently. Comparing carriers? See our JetBlue WiFi guide, since JetBlue is known for free fleetwide WiFi.
Let an agent plan your Southwest trip
WiFi and entertainment are nice, but the right fare matters more. Our agents can compare routes, find the best value, and book it for you. For timing, our guide to the best time to book a flight for the cheapest fare explains how far ahead to buy.
Ready to fly? Call +1 (855) 302-0422 for help booking your next Southwest trip — our agents are available 24/7. We're an independent agency, not Southwest, and we're glad to find your best option.