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Southwest trials free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members in key 'test' for future changes

Aug. 08, 2025
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3 min read
Southwest Boeing 737 Nashville BNA
Southwest trials free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members in key 'test' for future changes
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Southwest Airlines is dipping its toes into free Wi-Fi.

Starting Friday, the airline will offer free inflight internet connectivity to members of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program for one week.

It may be a sign of what's to come.

The Dallas-based carrier will make its onboard internet complimentary to loyalty members between Aug. 8 and 14.

To access free browsing and streaming, customers must either log in with their Rapid Rewards number or sign up for the program — either prior to departure or while flying.

It’s at least the second time this year Southwest has experimented with free inflight internet in what it’s describing as a trial to assess customers' use of its Wi-Fi, live TV and movie selections.

“We will use the findings from both tests to enhance our Wi-Fi offering and continue to strengthen what we offer customers to meet their needs,” the airline said this week.

Free inflight internet becoming the norm

Free on-board Wi-Fi has been a growing trend across the U.S. airline industry in recent years.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are already well into outfitting their fleets with fast, free internet service. JetBlue has offered its complimentary Wi-Fi for years.

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And most recently, American Airlines announced it would begin making inflight Wi-Fi free to flyers in 2026.

Read more: Southwest unveils big credit card refresh: 50% fee hikes, but new seating and boarding perks

Could free Wi-Fi be next at Southwest?

Could this free Wi-Fi trial be a step toward Southwest offering universal free inflight internet?

Southwest plane
A Southwest Airlines aircraft at Dallas Love Field (DAL). DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY

The airline seemed to acknowledge as much.

“Before we consider offering free inflight Wi-Fi beyond this limited offer, we need to ensure a quality product, and tests like this provide valuable information and insights,” Southwest told TPG Friday.

Airlines rightfully expect that making internet free to many more passengers means far more flyers will use the service, putting bandwidth to the test. So carriers oftentimes like to experiment with free service to see how the Wi-Fi holds up with more users.

Today, Southwest charges a flat $8 rate for full connectivity.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.