

Major airline to provide free in-flight WiFi for most flyers next month — here’s how to use the perk

Southwest Airlines flyers are getting hooked up.
Starting Oct. 24, the Dallas-based carrier will offer free in-flight WiFi across its fleet, doing away with its $8-per-flight fee for internet access.
There’s one small catch — you need to be a Rapid Rewards loyalty member to get free in-flight WiFi.
The move is part of a first-ever collaboration between Southwest and T-Mobile, though you don’t need to be a T-Mobile customer to get the free WiFi.
“We are focused on making sure our Customers have a great experience from the time they book a flight to the time they reach their destination,” Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience, with free WiFi being just one of the many enhancements Customers will see in the months ahead.”
Those who aren’t part of the Rapid Rewards program and wish to get free WiFi on their next Southwest flight can sign up for free.
With this addition, all six of the largest US airlines either already have complimentary in-flight WiFi or have promised it’s coming.
“We’re teaming up with Southwest to make staying connected in the air easier for millions of travelers,” Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products at T-Mobile, said.

“We’re excited for Rapid Rewards Members to experience free in-flight WiFi from takeoff to landing – no strings, no surprises. It’s just one more way we’re helping make travel a little smoother.”
The deal makes Southwest the largest domestic carrier in the country to offer free internet access across all internet-enabled aircraft — making it available on more than 800 aircraft by the end of the year.
Southwest joins Delta, United and American as a major airline viewing internet access onboard as an essential rather than a paid perk.

Complimentary WiFi will be welcome news to Southwest passengers after dealing with some unpopular moves from the airline, such as ending its decades-old “bags fly free” policy and its pick-any-seat policy.
The carrier’s decision to launch free WiFi fleet-wide comes months after they did a test trial to see if the internet service could keep up with the demand when available for free.