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Free Wi-Fi on some Southwest flights as carrier tests new internet service
Sean Cudahy
Senior Aviation Reporter
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
May 06, 2022
•
3 min read
Free Wi-Fi on some Southwest flights as carrier tests new internet service
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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.
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.
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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.
Featured image by SEAN CUDAHY/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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Best for dining at restaurants
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Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
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$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.