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How to Watch TV on Southwest Airlines: Your In-Flight Entertainment Guide

So, you’re soaring through the friendly skies on Southwest and itching for some entertainment? The good news is you absolutely can watch TV! Southwest offers a variety of options to keep you entertained, primarily through their Wi-Fi enabled personal device entertainment platform. This article will break down exactly how to access and enjoy TV shows, movies, and more during your flight, ensuring you arrive at your destination refreshed and entertained.

Accessing In-Flight Entertainment on Southwest

Southwest Airlines takes a slightly different approach compared to airlines that offer seatback screens. Instead, they focus on a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to watch TV and other content:

Enable Airplane Mode: Once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude, enable Airplane Mode on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This is a mandatory safety requirement.
Connect to Southwest Wi-Fi: Connect to the Southwest Wi-Fi network. Look for a network name like “SouthwestWiFi” or “SouthwestFree”. No purchase of internet access is required to access the entertainment portal.
Open Your Browser: Once connected, open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.). You should be automatically redirected to the Southwest Entertainment Portal. If not, manually type “southwestwifi.com” into your address bar.
Explore the Entertainment Options: The portal presents you with a range of choices, including:
- Live TV: Watch select live TV channels broadcasting news, sports, and entertainment.
- On-Demand TV Shows: Browse through a library of TV show episodes.
- On-Demand Movies: Select from a rotating catalog of movies.
- Music: Listen to curated music playlists.
- Games: Play a selection of interactive games.
- Flight Information: Track your flight’s progress, estimated time of arrival, and more.
Select and Enjoy: Choose your desired content and press play. The entertainment is streamed directly to your device.

Important Considerations:

Headphones are essential. Be considerate of your fellow passengers and use headphones or earbuds.
Streaming Quality: Streaming quality can vary depending on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and the number of users accessing the network.
Content Updates: The available TV shows, movies, and live TV channels are subject to change.
No Southwest App Required: You don’t need to download a special Southwest Airlines app to access the entertainment portal. Everything is accessed through your web browser.

Tips for a Smooth Entertainment Experience

To ensure a pleasant in-flight entertainment experience, consider these tips:

Charge Your Device: Ensure your device is fully charged before boarding. Power outlets are generally not available on Southwest flights. A portable power bank is a great backup.
Download Content Beforehand (Optional): While Southwest offers streaming entertainment, you might consider downloading movies or TV shows onto your device before your flight as a backup, especially for longer journeys. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu allow for offline downloads.
Bring Comfortable Headphones: Invest in comfortable headphones, preferably noise-canceling ones, to minimize background noise and enhance your viewing experience.
Update Your Browser: Before you fly, make sure your web browser is updated to the latest version for optimal compatibility with the Southwest Entertainment Portal.
Check for Special Offers: Sometimes Southwest offers promotional periods where they might enhance their entertainment offerings or provide discounts on in-flight internet.

FAQs: Your Southwest In-Flight Entertainment Questions Answered

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding watching TV and other entertainment on Southwest Airlines flights:

1. Is the in-flight entertainment on Southwest free?

Yes, the in-flight entertainment, including live TV, on-demand TV shows, and movies, is generally free on Southwest flights. You only need to connect to the Southwest Wi-Fi network. However, accessing the internet for browsing or streaming content outside the entertainment portal typically requires purchasing a Wi-Fi package.

2. What live TV channels are available on Southwest?

The specific live TV channels offered can vary, but common options often include:

CNN: For news updates.
ESPN: For sports coverage.
NBC: For entertainment and news.
FOX: For entertainment and news.
CNBC: For business news.

The channel lineup is subject to change without prior notice. You can see the available channels once connected to the Southwest Wi-Fi and accessing the entertainment portal.

3. Can I watch Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services on Southwest?

Yes, you can watch Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services, but you’ll need to purchase a Wi-Fi package from Southwest to access the internet. Keep in mind that streaming quality may be affected by the Wi-Fi signal strength. Downloading content before your flight is a good alternative to avoid potential streaming issues.

4. Does Southwest have seatback screens with built-in TVs?

No, Southwest Airlines does not equip their aircraft with seatback screens. Their entertainment system relies on passengers using their own personal devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops).

5. What if I don’t have a device to watch TV on?

If you don’t have a device, you’ll be limited to any in-flight magazines or bringing a physical book to read. Southwest focuses on the BYOD model. Consider borrowing a tablet from a friend or family member for the trip.

6. How do I troubleshoot problems with the Southwest Wi-Fi or entertainment portal?

First, ensure you have correctly connected to the Southwest Wi-Fi network. If you’re still having trouble, try these steps:

Close and reopen your browser.
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
Restart your device.
Check with a flight attendant. They may be able to assist you with troubleshooting.

7. Are there any age restrictions on the content available on the Southwest entertainment portal?

While Southwest doesn’t typically have strict age restrictions on all content, parents should be mindful of the movies and TV shows their children are viewing. Some content may contain mature themes or language. Southwest relies on parental discretion.

8. Can I use my Southwest Rapid Rewards points to purchase in-flight Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can often redeem your Southwest Rapid Rewards points to purchase in-flight Wi-Fi. Check the options available on the Southwest Wi-Fi portal.

9. Is there a limit to how much TV I can watch during my flight?

No, there is no limit to the amount of TV you can watch using the free entertainment portal. However, remember to be mindful of your device’s battery life.

10. Does Southwest offer in-flight power outlets?

Power outlets are not typically available on Southwest flights. It’s crucial to fully charge your devices before boarding or bring a portable power bank.

11. What happens if the Wi-Fi signal is weak or unavailable during my flight?

The quality of the Wi-Fi signal can vary depending on the flight path and other factors. If the signal is weak or unavailable, you won’t be able to stream TV shows or movies. This is why having pre-downloaded content is a good backup strategy. You can also enjoy the available music or games, which might require less bandwidth.

12. Can I watch the inflight map for free without purchasing Wifi?

Yes, you can generally access the inflight map and flight information for free through the Southwest Entertainment Portal without purchasing Wi-Fi. This is a great way to track your flight progress and see where you are in the world!