Yes, you absolutely can watch movies on a Southwest flight. Southwest Airlines offers a variety of in-flight entertainment options, including on-demand movies, primarily accessible through your personal device.
Understanding Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment System
Navigating in-flight entertainment can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. However, Southwest has streamlined the process, focusing on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). This means you’ll be using your own phone, tablet, or laptop to access the content.
Southwest’s Entertainment Portal
The key to unlocking your mid-air movie marathon is the Southwest Entertainment Portal. Once airborne and allowed to use electronic devices, connect to the airline’s Wi-Fi network (SouthwestWiFi). You don’t need to purchase internet access to access the entertainment portal. Simply open a web browser, and you’ll be automatically redirected, or you can manually enter southwestwifi.com.
Movies on Demand
Within the portal, you’ll find a section dedicated to Movies on Demand. The selection varies and is updated regularly. This is where you can browse and select the movie you want to watch.
Free Live TV
While movies on demand may sometimes come with a small charge, Southwest also offers free live TV. This allows you to catch up on news, sports, or your favorite shows during your flight.
Other Entertainment Options
Beyond movies and live TV, the portal usually includes options like on-demand TV shows, music, and flight tracking. This provides a comprehensive entertainment experience throughout your journey.
Preparing for Your In-Flight Movie Experience
Successful in-flight entertainment relies on preparation. Before you even board, take these steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience.
Download the Southwest App
While not strictly necessary for watching movies, the Southwest App offers additional benefits, such as easy access to flight information and boarding passes. Familiarize yourself with its features before your trip.
Charge Your Devices
This seems obvious, but it’s crucial. Ensure your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged before leaving for the airport. A portable power bank is a valuable addition, especially on longer flights.
Pack Headphones
Don’t forget your headphones! Airlines often provide basic earbuds, but for a truly immersive movie experience, bring your own high-quality headphones. Noise-canceling headphones are particularly effective in a noisy airplane cabin.
Download Content (Optional)
While Southwest offers on-demand entertainment, sometimes the selection might not appeal to you. Consider downloading movies or TV shows onto your device before the flight. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services offer download options. Remember to download content before boarding as in-flight Wi-Fi, even when available for purchase, is not always reliable for streaming.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, technical glitches can sometimes occur. Here’s how to address some common issues.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems
If you’re having trouble connecting to the SouthwestWiFi network, try these steps:
- Turn airplane mode on and off: This can sometimes refresh the connection.
- Restart your device: A simple restart can resolve many technical issues.
- Clear your browser’s cache: This can help ensure a clean connection to the portal.
- Contact a flight attendant: They can provide assistance and troubleshoot the problem.
Video Playback Issues
If your movie is buffering or experiencing playback problems:
- Close and reopen the browser: This can sometimes resolve temporary glitches.
- Ensure your browser is up to date: An outdated browser can cause compatibility issues.
- Try a different movie: The issue may be specific to a particular title.
Sound Issues
If you’re not getting any sound:
- Check your volume settings: Make sure the volume is turned up on both your device and the browser.
- Ensure your headphones are properly connected: Double-check the headphone jack.
- Try a different pair of headphones: There may be a problem with your headphones themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about watching movies on Southwest flights, providing further insights and clarifying potential uncertainties:
FAQ 1: Do I need to pay extra to watch movies on Southwest?
Often, yes. While Southwest offers free live TV, movies on demand typically require a small fee, payable through the Entertainment Portal. The fee varies depending on the movie.
FAQ 2: Can I use my own streaming service subscriptions (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) on Southwest flights?
You can, if you purchase internet access on the flight. However, streaming can be unreliable and bandwidth-intensive. Downloading content beforehand is a much more reliable option. Be aware that Southwest’s Wi-Fi may not support all streaming services equally well.
FAQ 3: How do I pay for a movie on Southwest?
Payment is typically processed directly through the Southwest Entertainment Portal using a credit or debit card. Follow the on-screen instructions after selecting your movie.
FAQ 4: What types of devices are compatible with Southwest’s entertainment portal?
Most modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops with web browsers are compatible. Ensure your device’s operating system and browser are up to date for optimal performance.
FAQ 5: Does Southwest offer charging ports on their planes?
The availability of charging ports varies depending on the aircraft. Newer planes often have USB ports, while older planes may not. It’s best to bring a portable power bank as a backup.
FAQ 6: What if I have issues with the payment process for a movie?
Contact a flight attendant for assistance. They can help troubleshoot payment issues or connect you with the appropriate support channels.
FAQ 7: Can I watch movies with subtitles or closed captions on Southwest flights?
This depends on the movie and the browser you are using. Look for CC or subtitle options within the video player on the Entertainment Portal. Not all movies offer this feature.
FAQ 8: Are the movies on Southwest flights censored?
Typically, the movies available on Southwest flights are edited for content suitable for a general audience. Expect some degree of censoring, especially regarding language and mature themes.
FAQ 9: Can I share the same movie with someone else if we both use the same Wi-Fi connection?
Yes, you can watch the same movie on two different devices using the same Wi-Fi connection, provided each device purchases access to the movie through the Southwest Entertainment Portal.
FAQ 10: How often is the movie selection updated on Southwest flights?
The movie selection is updated regularly, but the specific schedule is not publicly available. Check the Southwest Entertainment Portal upon boarding to see the latest offerings.
FAQ 11: Is there a way to pre-book movies before my Southwest flight?
Unfortunately, no. You can only access and purchase movies through the Southwest Entertainment Portal once you are on the flight.
FAQ 12: What should I do if the movie I purchased doesn’t play correctly, and the flight attendant can’t resolve the issue?
Document the issue (take screenshots if possible) and contact Southwest Customer Service after your flight. They may be able to offer a refund or other compensation.
By understanding Southwest’s in-flight entertainment system and preparing effectively, you can transform your next flight into a personal cinema experience. Enjoy the show!