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Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) is giving its Rapid Rewards members a chance to get online for free during their flights this week. Until Aug. 14, the airline is testing complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi for browsing and streaming. The offer applies to all Wi-Fi-enabled Southwest flights, and travelers can sign up for Rapid Rewards before departure or onboard to take advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest is offering free in-flight Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members from Aug. 8 to 14.
- Outside the test period, Southwest offers a mix of free and paid entertainment options for passengers.
- Southwest recently changed its free baggage policy, no longer offering two free checked bags to all travel tiers (though there are ways for your bags to fly free still).
What’s the Deal?
Until Aug. 14, Southwest is offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to Rapid Rewards members on all Wi-Fi-enabled flights. Travelers can sign up for the loyalty program before boarding or during their flight to take advantage of it, then log in with their Rapid Rewards number for unlimited browsing and streaming during the trip.
Tip
In-flight Wi-Fi is already included year-round for A-List Preferred members and Choice Extra customers, but this short-term promotion extends the perk to all Rapid Rewards members.
Why Southwest Is Doing This
The free Wi-Fi test is part of Southwest’s broader push to upgrade its in-flight experience. The airline is using the promotion to collect feedback and performance data, which could influence whether free Wi-Fi becomes permanent.
The airline has been rolling out service changes throughout 2025, including a shift to assigned seating starting Jan. 27, 2026. Southwest has also been making changes to its baggage fee policy, too. “The revenue contribution from bag fees has exceeded our expectations so far, and we’ve experienced no negative impact to the operation,” Bob Jordan, Southwest’s CEO, told Men’s Journal.
While Jordan was referring to the new baggage fee policy, his comment underscores the airline’s confidence in testing and refining new initiatives.
How To Get Free Wi-Fi on Southwest Flights This Week
To get free Wi-Fi during the test period, you’ll need to do the following:
- Make sure your flight is on a Southwest aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi by checking your flight details beforehand.
- Enroll in Rapid Rewards before boarding.
- Once seated, turn on airplane mode and switch on Wi-Fi.
- Choose “SouthwestWiFi” from your device’s network list.
- Open your browser and the Southwest portal should appear automatically, or you can go to SouthwestWiFi.com.
- Sign in with your Rapid Rewards number to start browsing and streaming.
Tip
Rapid Rewards is free to join, and you can earn points on Southwest flights and partner purchases to put toward future travel.
Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment Options
Even when Wi-Fi isn’t free, Southwest offers several no-cost entertainment features. Passengers can use iMessage and WhatsApp for free year-round, watch live TV channels, or access on-demand movies and music through the Southwest app. The flight tracker and destination guides are also available at no charge.
Outside of the promotion period, standard Wi-Fi costs $8 per device, per day.
The Future of Wi-Fi for Southwest
Jordan told Men’s Journal that Southwest is “open to additional adjustments” in its service offerings. He pointed to amenities like airport lounges, premium seating, and long-haul international flights as possibilities. “Whatever customers need in 2025, 2030, we won’t take any of that off the table.”
While he didn’t commit to making free Wi-Fi permanent, the current test could be a step toward broader upgrades to the airline’s in-flight connectivity.
Southwest has already begun modernizing its Wi-Fi service by equipping aircraft with new Viasat technology, which offers faster speeds and greater bandwidth than the airline’s previous systems, according to a company announcement. These upgrades are expected to expand across the fleet in the coming years.
The Bottom Line
Until Aug. 14, Southwest passengers who are Rapid Rewards members can stream, browse, and message for free in-flight. Even if the travel perk is temporary, it offers a chance to try Southwest’s connectivity and compare it with what other airlines provide.
