By Lisa Whitlaw
Southwest has always had great entertainment options, but now it’s even easier to access.
Don’t have the app downloaded?
No problem, because inflight entertainment is now streaming “app-free”!
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What’s New With Southwest Inflight Entertainment
Southwest has made some recent changes to their inflight entertainment options, which has always included access to movies, TV and music.
Now you can stream this media directly to your smartphone, laptop or tablet instead of downloading the app for access.
The improved entertainment portal is currently available on WiFi-enabled aircraft (which is supposed to be ALL Southwest aircraft, though sometimes the WiFi doesn’t work), using a compatible device.
How Did Southwest Entertainment Work Before?
Prior to these recent changes, passengers had to download the Southwest app before boarding a flight in order to access the entertainment portal.
After completing a series of steps to connect to Southwest WiFi, passengers were able to access movies, TV and music.
If you forgot to download the app before you boarded, your only option was to pay the $8 fee to access Southwest WiFi and then download the app.
Otherwise you were out of luck in terms of utilizing their entertainment options.
How Does it Work Now?
After the recent improvements to the in-flight entertainment portal, passengers still need to complete the following steps but don’t need the app to do so.
- Go into settings and switch to airplane mode, then turn on WiFi
- Choose Southwest WiFi from your network list
- If the portal doesn’t load automatically, type www.southwestwifi.com into the address bar of your web browser
- You may now enjoy your FREE entertainment by accessing it on this web page
In addition to movies, TV and music, Southwest also gives you access to FREE messaging using iMessage or WhatsApp, as well as destination guides for your arrival city.
Why We Love the New Southwest Entertainment Portal
It’s easy to use and FREE!
Once you’re in flight you don’t have to worry if you remembered to download the app (or download your own movies at home beforehand), because you don’t need it to access Southwest’s selection of free movies and TV.
How sad is it to realize you needed an app that you can’t download while flying to watch a movie on your flight?
The streaming portal takes that stress away and allows you to watch what you want without an app.
Less stress is always good especially when traveling with kids!
Enjoy your movie…
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