Watching movies on a Southwest flight is possible, but it’s important to understand the nuances of their entertainment system. This guide explains how to access and enjoy their free movie offerings on your next flight.
Understanding Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment System
Southwest Airlines provides a variety of entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and live television, all accessed through your personal electronic device (PED). Unlike some airlines, Southwest doesn’t have seatback screens. Instead, they leverage the Wi-Fi network to stream content to your phone, tablet, or laptop. Therefore, the answer to “how to watch a movie on Southwest” lies in accessing the in-flight entertainment portal using the airline’s Wi-Fi.
Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Movies
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Enable Airplane Mode: Upon boarding and when instructed by the flight crew, switch your device to Airplane Mode. This is a mandatory safety precaution.
- Connect to Southwest Wi-Fi: Once airborne and permitted by the crew, enable Wi-Fi on your device. Select the Southwest Wi-Fi network from the available options. It’s usually labeled “SouthwestWifi” or something similar.
- Open Your Browser: Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.). You should automatically be redirected to the Southwest Entertainment Portal. If not, manually type in a provided URL (usually inflight.southwest.com) into the address bar.
- Navigate to Movies: Within the portal, you’ll find various entertainment categories. Select the “Movies” section.
- Browse and Select a Movie: Browse the available selection of movies. The options often change monthly, so there’s always something new to discover.
- Start Watching: Click on the movie you want to watch. It should begin streaming immediately.
- Enjoy Your Flight: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie!
Tips for a Smooth Movie-Watching Experience
- Charge Your Device: Make sure your device is fully charged before boarding. While some Southwest planes have power outlets, they aren’t available on every flight. A portable power bank is always a good idea.
- Bring Headphones: To respect your fellow passengers and enjoy optimal audio quality, bring headphones or earbuds. Southwest sells headphones onboard, but it’s generally cheaper to bring your own.
- Download the Southwest App: While not required to watch movies, the Southwest app offers a smoother experience for managing your flight, checking in, and accessing other helpful information.
- Check the Entertainment Portal Before Your Flight: Some websites track the movies currently playing on Southwest flights. Checking this beforehand can help you decide if it’s worth planning to watch onboard.
- Be Aware of Internet Speed: While the movie streaming is free, the Wi-Fi speed can vary depending on the flight and the number of passengers using it. Don’t expect Netflix-level streaming quality.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter problems, try refreshing the page, restarting your browser, or reconnecting to the Wi-Fi. If problems persist, ask a flight attendant for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about watching movies on Southwest:
What kind of movies can I expect to see?
Southwest offers a rotating selection of movies, typically including a mix of recent releases, popular classics, and family-friendly options. The selection changes monthly.
Is it really free to watch movies?
Yes, accessing the movies through the Southwest Entertainment Portal is completely free. You don’t need to pay for a Wi-Fi package to watch the free entertainment.
Can I watch movies on my laptop?
Yes, you can watch movies on your laptop as long as it has Wi-Fi capability and a web browser.
Do I need to download an app to watch movies?
No, you don’t need to download a specific app to watch movies. The movies are streamed directly through your web browser.
What if I don’t have headphones?
Southwest sells headphones onboard, but they’re typically more expensive than buying them in advance. It’s always best to bring your own.
Can I fast forward or rewind movies?
Yes, the streaming player allows you to pause, fast forward, and rewind movies. However, functionality can sometimes be a little laggy due to the Wi-Fi connection.
How do I know what movies are playing on my flight?
While Southwest doesn’t publish a definitive list far in advance, some websites and blogs track the movies playing on Southwest flights each month. You can also check the entertainment portal shortly after takeoff.
What if the Wi-Fi isn’t working?
Wi-Fi outages can occasionally happen. In this case, the free movie streaming will also be unavailable. You can alert a flight attendant, but there’s often little they can do to resolve the issue mid-flight. Have a backup entertainment plan.
Can I use my data plan instead of the Southwest Wi-Fi?
While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended. Using your data plan for streaming can be expensive and may result in slow speeds. The Southwest Wi-Fi is specifically designed for in-flight entertainment and is free.
Is there a limit to how many movies I can watch?
There’s no formal limit. You can watch as many movies as you have time for during the flight, as long as you remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.
What if I have trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi?
First, ensure Airplane Mode is enabled and then Wi-Fi is turned on separately. Try restarting your device. If problems persist, ask a flight attendant for assistance. They may be able to help troubleshoot connection issues.
Are closed captions available?
Closed captions are often available for movies, but it depends on the specific movie and how it’s been formatted for the entertainment portal. Look for a “CC” icon on the movie selection screen or within the player controls.