Southwest Airlines announced Thursday that it will start offering free wifi on all flights through a partnership with T-Mobile starting Oct. 24. The service will be available to all Southwest Rapid Rewards members, the airline’s free loyalty program.
The announcement comes just a few months after Southwest ended its free checked bags policy. The airline previously allowed bags to “fly free” until it announced at the end of May that first checked bags would cost $35 and a second would be $45.
Southwest will be the largest U.S. airline to offer free wifi on all flights when it happens next month. JetBlue, which operates fewer aircraft, already offers free wifi on all flights, and Delta offers free wifi for SkyMiles members on “most” flights.
American Airlines announced back in April that it would begin offering free wifi on all flights starting in 2026. United is also in the process of equipping its entire fleet with Starlink internet.
“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, Southwest’s executive vice president, Chief Customer & Brand Officer, said in a statement posted online.
Southwest previously charged $8 for wifi per flight segment and the old reviews have not been great, according to aviation blogs like View from the Wing. The blog also notes that while Southwest’s wifi will be free, the requirement that people become a Rapid Rewards member is a marketing push that “allows them to pitch credit cards to disgruntled customers that don’t like new checked bag fees and seat fees (some of which are waived with the card).”
Customers can sign up for Southwest Rapid Rewards before their flight or while in the air, according to the airline.
“We’re teaming up with Southwest to make staying connected in the air easier for millions of travelers,” Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products at T-Mobile, said in a statement. “We’re excited for Rapid Rewards Members to experience free in-flight WiFi from takeoff to landing – no strings, no surprises. It’s just one more way we’re helping make travel a little smoother.”