How to Get Southwest Airlines Wifi

Flying on Southwest and contemplating if their onboard WiFi is worth the extra cash? Well, I’ve done the digital legwork for you, so you can decide if you should connect to the clouds while you’re in the clouds!

The Nitty-Gritty of Southwest WiFi

When flying, WiFi becomes more than a luxury—it’s almost a necessity. Whether you’re finalizing that work presentation or catching up on the latest Netflix sensation, a good connection is paramount.

So, is Southwest Airlines’ offering up to snuff? Let’s dive deep.

Is the Service Worth It?

Price: At the time of my last check, Southwest charges $8 per device for all-day WiFi. Compared to some airlines, this is on the cheaper side.

Speed & Data Allowance: Now, before you plan to host a virtual conference mid-air, I recommend setting expectations. The speed isn’t equivalent to your home broadband. It’s adequate for:

• Checking emails
• Basic web browsing
• Messaging

However, for streaming or heavy content uploads, you might experience some lag. There are no explicit data caps, but bandwidth-intensive activities could be throttled.

Real-World Use:

• Work: Good for emails and light web research. But, if you’re planning to access large files or have multiple video calls, you might find it lagging.
• Entertainment: Southwest has a separate free inflight entertainment portal, which is different from their WiFi. This allows for movies and TV show streaming, but I recommend downloading content beforehand if you’re not keen on paying for WiFi.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable: At $8 per device, it’s one of the more reasonably priced in-flight WiFi options.
• No Data Caps: No worries about running out of data mid-flight.
• Free Inflight Entertainment: A separate portal provides complimentary movies and TV shows.

Cons:

• Not Super Fast: Don’t expect to stream in high definition or conduct uninterrupted video calls.
• No VPN: For those who need a VPN for work, this might be a dealbreaker.

Steps for Optimal Southwest WiFi Experience

1. Purchase the WiFi in advance: Sometimes, you can snag a discount.
2. Have all apps and browsers closed before connecting.
3. Connect only when needed: Don’t waste bandwidth on background updates.
4. Download essential content prior to the flight: This ensures you have entertainment even without WiFi.
5. Stay patient: Remember you’re in a metal tube thousands of feet in the air—some lag is normal!

A Deeper Dive into Southwest Airlines WiFi

Having covered the essentials of Southwest Airlines WiFi, it’s time to delve deeper into some of the facets we haven’t touched upon.

Coverage & Consistency

One thing frequent flyers always ponder is the consistency of service. If you’re going from New York to LA, can you expect the same speed and reliability throughout?

While Southwest WiFi is satellite-based, which offers broader coverage than air-to-ground systems, it’s important to know that:

• Geographic Variations: There might be zones where connection drops or weakens. Mountains, large bodies of water, or remote areas can impact signal strength.
• Plane Type Matters: Southwest’s fleet mainly consists of Boeing 737s. While most are equipped with the latest WiFi tech, some older models might offer a slightly patchy experience.

Recommendation: Check the plane model when booking. Newer planes often provide a better WiFi experience.

Entertainment Portal Versus WiFi

This is an area where some confusion often arises. Southwest’s inflight entertainment portal is distinct from its paid WiFi. Here’s how they differ:

• Entertainment Portal: This is a free service provided on Southwest flights. You can access movies, live TV, and music without paying for the WiFi. Remember, it’s designed to be a lightweight service for entertainment.
• Paid WiFi: This is for broader internet access, enabling you to surf websites, check emails, and engage in social media activities.

Recommendation: If entertainment is all you seek, skip the WiFi purchase and head straight to the entertainment portal.

Security While Surfing

Public networks, even those in the sky, can be vulnerable. Here are some precautions to consider:

• VPN: As previously noted, VPNs might not work smoothly on Southwest’s WiFi due to its speed and other technical restrictions. However, it’s always a wise idea to have one ready, just in case.
• HTTPS: Ensure the websites you visit have an ‘https’ in the URL. This adds an extra layer of security.
• Avoid Sensitive Transactions: It’s probably not the best time to check your bank balance or make significant financial transactions.

Pricing Variations & Bundles

While the standard all-day price for WiFi is $8, Southwest occasionally offers packages and promotions. This can include:

• Early Bird WiFi Purchase: Sometimes, booking WiFi in advance can land you a slight discount.
• Bundle Offers: Look for deals that combine WiFi with early boarding or extra Rapid Rewards points.

Recommendation: Always check the Southwest website or app before flying for any ongoing promotions or bundle deals.

Feedback & User Experience

Like any service, user feedback can be instrumental in shaping its future. Southwest has a feedback mechanism where you can rate your WiFi experience.

If you experience issues, it’s always a good idea to document them (screenshots, exact nature of the problem). This not only helps the airline improve but also can lead to refunds or compensations if the service wasn’t up to par.

Recommendation: If you use the WiFi service, take a minute post-flight to provide feedback. It helps improve the experience for everyone.

Alternative Offline Preparations

Even if you opt for the WiFi, always prepare for offline moments. Here’s what I recommend:

• Download Content: Movies, music, podcasts—get them on your device.
• Offline Work: Sync your emails and files for offline work.
• Games: Have a few offline games handy to kill time.

By always being prepared for connectivity gaps, you ensure a seamless, enjoyable flight experience.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ WiFi is decent for the casual user who wants to stay connected, especially given its reasonable price. If your expectations are set right, it serves well for basic tasks.

For more intensive online tasks, however, it might fall short. Like I always say, “Prepare for the flight, but don’t expect the digital skies to always be clear!”

FAQs

Can I get a refund if the WiFi doesn’t work?

Yes, if the WiFi is non-operational or you’re unsatisfied, Southwest usually offers refunds or vouchers.

Is there a free trial period?

Not for the WiFi, but remember, Southwest’s inflight entertainment is free!

How do I connect?

Once airborne, switch your device to airplane mode, connect to the “SouthwestWiFi” network, and follow the on-screen instructions.