Southwest Wi-Fi Goes Free

Southwest Airlines is switching to free Wi-Fi on board. The carrier will make its inflight internet service – currently $8/flight – complimentary for all Rapid Rewards members from 24 October 2025.

We’re pleased to partner with T-Mobile to bring free WiFi to all Rapid Rewards Members. This is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience, with free WiFi being just one of the many enhancements Customers will see in the months ahead.

–Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines

---

---

Southwest’s move, in partnership with T-Mobile, will bring more than 800 additional aircraft into the complimentary Wi-Fi world. It also marks the last of the large US airlines in committing to free wi-fi for passengers. Much like with bag fees, the industry coalesced quickly, though this time with something that is probably better for passengers.

JetBlue’s inflight internet service has always been free. Delta Air Lines committed to complimentary Wi-Fi on board in 2023 (mostly implemented, but some planes/routes are still pending). Several other airlines will make the change in the months ahead:

• United announced Starlink plan a year ago, with free WiFi for its loyalty program members
• American Airlines announced free service earlier this year, set to take effect in 2026. That will not include the long-haul planes carrying the Panasonic Avionics system, though an RFP is open to see that fleet upgraded eventually.
• Most recently, Alaska Airlines announced it will switch to Starlink, expanding the deployment Hawaiian started last year, also with a 2026 implementation

---

---

The move will undoubtedly increase demand on the Viasat and Anuvu satellite networks. Anuvu’s recently activated microGEO satellites from Astranis will help on that front, while Viasat continues to insist it has sufficient capacity in orbit to handle the demand, plus the United de-installs will start soon, freeing more capacity.