As the third-largest airline in the United States, Southwest Airlines is known for its unique approach to air travel. From its lack of assigned seating to its free checked bags, Southwest has always done things a bit differently. But when it comes to in-flight entertainment, many passengers wonder: does Southwest have TV in seats? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Southwest’s in-flight entertainment options and explore what you can expect on your next flight.
Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment Options
Southwest Airlines offers a variety of in-flight entertainment options to keep you entertained during your flight. While the airline does not offer traditional seat-back TVs, it has developed a range of alternative solutions to ensure that you stay entertained.
Southwest’s Inflight Entertainment Portal
Southwest’s inflight entertainment portal is the airline’s primary source of in-flight entertainment. This portal is accessible on your personal device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games. To access the portal, simply connect to the airline’s Wi-Fi network and navigate to the Southwest Airlines website.
The inflight entertainment portal is free to use, and you don’t need to purchase any additional packages or subscriptions. However, please note that the selection of content may vary depending on the flight and the time of year.
Available Content
Southwest’s inflight entertainment portal offers a diverse range of content, including:
- Movies: Southwest offers a selection of new releases and classic films, including blockbuster hits and independent movies.
- TV Shows: You can catch up on your favorite TV shows, including popular series and documentaries.
- Music: The airline offers a range of music channels, featuring popular artists and genres.
- Games: If you’re looking for something more interactive, you can play a range of games on your device, from puzzles to action games.
Live TV
In addition to the inflight entertainment portal, Southwest also offers live TV on some of its flights. This service is available on select aircraft and allows you to watch live TV channels, including sports, news, and entertainment programs.
To access live TV, simply connect to the airline’s Wi-Fi network and navigate to the Southwest Airlines website. You can then select the live TV option and choose from a range of channels.
Available Channels
Southwest’s live TV service offers a range of channels, including:
- Sports: Catch up on the latest sports action, including NFL, NBA, and MLB games.
- News: Stay up-to-date with the latest news and current events.
- Entertainment: Watch popular TV shows and movies, including comedy, drama, and reality TV.
How to Access Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment
Accessing Southwest’s in-flight entertainment is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Connect to Wi-Fi
To access Southwest’s in-flight entertainment, you’ll need to connect to the airline’s Wi-Fi network. Simply select the “Southwest Airlines” network from your device’s Wi-Fi settings and follow the prompts to connect.
Step 2: Navigate to the Southwest Website
Once you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network, navigate to the Southwest Airlines website on your device. You can do this by typing www.southwest.com into your browser or by selecting the Southwest Airlines app.
Step 3: Select Your Entertainment Option
From the Southwest website, you can select your preferred entertainment option. Choose from the inflight entertainment portal, live TV, or music to get started.
Tips and Tricks for Using Southwest’s In-Flight Entertainment
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of Southwest’s in-flight entertainment:
- Download the Southwest App: The Southwest app allows you to access the airline’s in-flight entertainment portal, as well as check-in, access your boarding pass, and track your flight status.
- Bring a Portable Charger: With all the entertainment options available, your device’s battery can quickly drain. Bring a portable charger to keep your device charged throughout the flight.
- Use Headphones: To fully immerse yourself in the entertainment experience, consider bringing a pair of headphones. This will also help to block out any background noise and ensure that you can hear the audio clearly.
Conclusion
While Southwest Airlines may not offer traditional seat-back TVs, its in-flight entertainment options are diverse and engaging. From the inflight entertainment portal to live TV, there’s something for everyone on board. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access Southwest’s in-flight entertainment and enjoy a more enjoyable flight experience.
So the next time you fly with Southwest, don’t forget to bring your device and take advantage of the airline’s in-flight entertainment options. With a little planning and preparation, you can stay entertained and make the most of your flight.
Does Southwest Airlines offer in-flight entertainment with TV in seats?
Southwest Airlines does not offer traditional in-flight entertainment systems with TV screens in every seat. However, they do provide an alternative solution for passengers to access entertainment content during their flights. The airline’s in-flight entertainment system is available on passengers’ personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
To access the in-flight entertainment system, passengers need to download the Southwest Airlines app on their device before the flight. Once onboard, they can connect to the airline’s Wi-Fi network and access a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and other content. This system allows passengers to enjoy their favorite shows and movies on their own devices, providing a more personalized entertainment experience.
What types of devices are compatible with Southwest’s in-flight entertainment system?
Southwest Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as laptops. Passengers can download the Southwest Airlines app on their device before the flight to access the entertainment content. The app is available for download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices.
In addition to smartphones and tablets, passengers can also access the in-flight entertainment system on their laptops. However, they need to ensure that their laptop is fully charged, as power outlets may not be available on all flights. It’s also recommended to download the Southwest Airlines app on laptops before the flight to ensure smooth access to the entertainment content.
Is Wi-Fi available on all Southwest Airlines flights?
Wi-Fi is available on most Southwest Airlines flights, but there may be some exceptions. The airline offers Wi-Fi on over 90% of its fleet, including Boeing 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX aircraft. However, some older aircraft may not have Wi-Fi installed, and Wi-Fi may not be available on some shorter flights.
Passengers can check the availability of Wi-Fi on their specific flight by visiting the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. They can also check with the flight attendants onboard to confirm whether Wi-Fi is available on their flight. If Wi-Fi is not available, passengers can still access some entertainment content on their device, but the selection may be limited.
Can I purchase Wi-Fi on a Southwest Airlines flight?
Yes, passengers can purchase Wi-Fi on a Southwest Airlines flight. The airline offers Wi-Fi for a fee, which varies depending on the flight duration and the type of device used. Passengers can purchase Wi-Fi using their credit or debit card, and the cost will be charged to their account.
The cost of Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines flights starts at $8 per device for a single flight, and passengers can also purchase a Wi-Fi day pass for $19. This pass allows them to access Wi-Fi on multiple flights within a 24-hour period. Passengers can purchase Wi-Fi onboard the flight or pre-purchase it online before their flight.
What types of entertainment content are available on Southwest Airlines flights?
Southwest Airlines offers a wide range of entertainment content on its flights, including movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. Passengers can access over 30 movies and 48 TV episodes, as well as a selection of music and podcasts. The airline also offers a range of free live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment programs.
In addition to the pre-loaded content, passengers can also access a selection of on-demand movies and TV shows for a fee. The airline also offers a range of free games and puzzles to keep passengers entertained during the flight. The entertainment content is updated regularly, so passengers can expect to find new movies and TV shows on each flight.
Can I bring my own entertainment content on a Southwest Airlines flight?
Yes, passengers can bring their own entertainment content on a Southwest Airlines flight. The airline allows passengers to bring their own devices, such as tablets, laptops, and e-readers, onboard the flight. Passengers can load their devices with their favorite movies, TV shows, music, and books to keep themselves entertained during the flight.
Passengers can also bring their own headphones or earbuds to listen to music or watch movies on their device. However, they need to ensure that their device is fully charged, as power outlets may not be available on all flights. It’s also recommended to download content on devices before the flight, as Wi-Fi may not be available on all flights.
Are there any restrictions on using electronic devices during Southwest Airlines flights?
Yes, there are restrictions on using electronic devices during Southwest Airlines flights. The airline follows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines for the use of electronic devices onboard flights. Passengers are required to keep their devices in airplane mode during takeoff and landing, and they can only use them in Wi-Fi mode during the flight.
Passengers are also required to keep their devices stowed during takeoff and landing, and they can only use them when the seatbelt sign is off. The airline also recommends that passengers keep their devices charged, as power outlets may not be available on all flights. Passengers can check with the flight attendants onboard for specific guidelines on using electronic devices during the flight.