Free Wi-Fi on some Southwest flights as carrier tests new internet service
Passengers on certain Southwest Airlines flights could be treated to free internet browsing. The Dallas-based carrier is providing free access to full Wi-Fi on 40 aircraft as it tests out a new internet service.
Currently, Southwest — like many airlines — gives passengers free internet access on their devices for the purposes of watching inflight entertainment. If you want to be able to check your email and surf the internet, though, you have to pay $8.
The news was first reported by the Dallas Morning News, but confirmed with the airline by TPG Friday.
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Most travelers agree airline Wi-Fi service has been spotty for years, and Southwest has not been immune to those issues. On a recent trip to New England, I had to wait to file this TPG story I was working on until I got off the plane because I was unable to connect to the internet the entire flight. But I had reliable internet access and got several stories filed on the return flight and I even streamed music via YouTube as I worked.
That unpredictability is part of what the carrier is looking to improve as it experiments with ways to improve its internet reliability. The airline told TPG Friday, the tests is conducting is on "next generation" hardware from Anuvu. Southwest is hoping for its internet to reach faster speeds and higher capabilities, and is allowing all customers free access on the 40 aircraft where these tests are taking place.
"We're industry-leading connectivity," the carrier told TPG in a statement Friday.
Related: What to know about the latest inflight Wi-Fi pricing
Long term, it doesn't appear free browsing will last forever. The airline made clear to TPG, its tests are primarily focused on the new equipment, not the concept of free internet.
However, this move by Southwest does represent the latest example of a carrier trying to upgrade its internet services. Just last fall, TPG tested out upgraded Wi-Fi on board a Delta Air Lines flight, months before the Atlanta-based carrier’s CEO told the Wall Street Journal Delta is in talks with SpaceX about the potential use of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet business.
We’ve also seen numerous carriers drop their prices, or — in the case of American Airlines — try out short, free browsing periods. (That said, I paid $19 for Wi-Fi on a two-hour American flight just this week.)
As for Southwest, the airline could not share specifics on which routes would include free internet, but said generally it will include flights over the western U.S.
Bottom line
Even if you’re not lucky enough to board one of the Southwest planes offering free browsing services, it’s nice to know the airline is actively looking at ways to upgrade its internet and help you stay connected on your future flights.
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- An up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four to five years
- Up to $400 annual credit for eligible U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
- Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels (enrollment required)
- Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection
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- International Airline Program and Cruise Privileges Program
Cons
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- Difficulty meeting $15,000 welcome offer for smaller businesses
- Limited high-bonus categories outside of travel
- The Points Guy Exclusive Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
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- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for checked baggage fees, lounge day passes, and more at one selected airline.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. CLEAR® is available at more than 50 U.S. airports and stadiums.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.