Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer a dedicated movie section directly within its app. Instead, passengers access on-demand entertainment, including movies, through the aircraft’s Wi-Fi connection, using their personal devices.
Understanding Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment System
Southwest Airlines takes a different approach to in-flight entertainment than many other carriers. Instead of pre-downloaded content or seatback screens, they leverage a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model. This means you use your own smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access movies, TV shows, and other entertainment options via the aircraft’s Wi-Fi.
Connecting to the Southwest Wi-Fi
The first step in accessing in-flight entertainment is connecting to the Southwest Wi-Fi network. This network, typically named “SouthwestWifi,” allows you to browse the internet, send emails, and, most importantly, access the entertainment portal. To connect:
- Enable Wi-Fi on your device.
- Select the “SouthwestWifi” network from the available options.
- Open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.).
- You should be automatically redirected to the Southwest entertainment portal. If not, type
www.southwestwifi.cominto your browser’s address bar.
Navigating the Entertainment Portal
Once connected, you’ll be presented with the Southwest entertainment portal. This portal acts as the hub for all available content. You’ll find sections for:
- Live TV: Watch select live television channels.
- On-Demand Movies: Access a library of movies, usually updated regularly.
- On-Demand TV Shows: Enjoy episodes of popular TV series.
- Streaming Music: Listen to curated playlists and streaming radio stations.
- Flight Information: Check your flight’s progress, arrival time, and more.
Considerations for Seamless Streaming
To enjoy a smooth in-flight entertainment experience, consider the following:
- Device Battery: Ensure your device is fully charged before boarding, or bring a portable charger.
- Headphones: Pack a pair of headphones to enjoy the audio without disturbing other passengers.
- Browser Compatibility: Most modern browsers are compatible with the Southwest entertainment portal, but ensure yours is up-to-date.
- Potential Wi-Fi Interruptions: Although generally reliable, Wi-Fi can occasionally experience temporary interruptions, especially during takeoff and landing.
- Cost: Using the Southwest WiFi for internet and certain streaming services requires purchasing access for a small fee. The entertainment portal itself is free to use.
Understanding the On-Demand Movie Selection
Southwest’s on-demand movie selection is typically a rotating roster of popular films, spanning various genres. While the selection changes periodically, you can usually expect a mix of recent releases and classic favorites.
What to Expect
While Southwest doesn’t publicly list its entire movie library, they generally offer a decent variety. Don’t expect to find every movie ever made, but there’s often something to cater to different tastes.
Checking the Current Selection
The best way to find out what movies are available is to connect to the Southwest Wi-Fi and browse the entertainment portal during your flight.
Alternatives for Pre-Flight Movie Viewing
If you want to watch specific movies on your flight, consider downloading them to your device beforehand using services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. This will ensure you have your desired entertainment available regardless of the Southwest’s on-demand selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how to access and enjoy movies on Southwest flights:
1. Do I need to download the Southwest app to watch movies?
No, you don’t need to download anything specific to watch movies. You access the on-demand entertainment portal through your web browser after connecting to the Southwest Wi-Fi network.
2. Is watching movies on the Southwest entertainment portal free?
Yes, accessing and streaming movies and TV shows on the Southwest entertainment portal is free. You do not need to pay extra to watch this content. Keep in mind that internet access through the Southwest WiFi is an additional purchase.
3. Can I download movies from the Southwest entertainment portal to watch offline later?
No, the on-demand entertainment is streamed, not downloaded. You need to be connected to the Southwest Wi-Fi to watch movies.
4. How often is the movie selection updated on the Southwest entertainment portal?
The movie selection is updated periodically, typically on a monthly basis. This ensures a fresh selection of content for frequent flyers. However, there isn’t a fixed schedule.
5. Will my device consume a lot of data when watching movies?
Since the entertainment is streamed, it will use data. Therefore, access to the internet requires a fee.
6. Is there a limit to how many movies I can watch during my flight?
There’s no explicit limit to the number of movies you can watch as long as you remain connected to the Southwest Wi-Fi and your device battery holds up.
7. Can I use my Southwest Rapid Rewards points to pay for Wi-Fi to watch movies?
Yes, you can often use your Southwest Rapid Rewards points to pay for Wi-Fi access, which you’ll need to stream the movies. Check the portal for current redemption options.
8. What happens if the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted during my movie?
If the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted, the movie will pause. Once the connection is restored, you should be able to resume watching where you left off. This will depend on the connection, if the movie does not automatically resume, you will need to re-select the movie.
9. Can I use my own streaming services, like Netflix or Hulu, on the Southwest Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use your own streaming services on the Southwest Wi-Fi, provided you have a paid subscription to those services and purchase internet access through Southwest. Be mindful of data consumption.
10. Is there a specific age rating or content filtering on the movies available?
Southwest attempts to curate a selection that is generally appropriate for a wide audience. However, content ratings and filtering may vary. Parental discretion is always advised.
11. Can I use Bluetooth headphones with the Southwest entertainment system?
Yes, you can use Bluetooth headphones with your device to listen to movies on the Southwest entertainment system. Just ensure your headphones are paired with your device before connecting to the Wi-Fi.
12. What should I do if I’m having trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi or accessing the entertainment portal?
First, ensure Wi-Fi is enabled and that you are connected to the “SouthwestWifi” network. If problems persist, try closing and reopening your web browser. You can also ask a flight attendant for assistance; they are trained to troubleshoot common connectivity issues.
By understanding the Southwest’s in-flight entertainment system and taking these tips into consideration, you can ensure a more enjoyable and entertaining journey. Remember to pack your headphones, charge your device, and prepare to relax and enjoy the show!