Southwest Airlines announced Thursday that it will begin offering free Wi-Fi on all flights through a partnership with T-Mobile starting October 24. The service will be available to all members of Southwest Rapid Rewards, the airline’s free loyalty program.
The announcement comes just months after Southwest ended its free bag policy. The airline previously allowed checked bags to “fly free” until announcing in late May that checked bags would cost $35 and a second would cost $45.
Southwest will be the largest U.S. airline to offer free Wi-Fi on all flights when it launches next month. JetBlue, which operates fewer aircraft, already offers free Wi-Fi on all flights, and Delta offers free Wi-Fi for Skymiles members on “most” flights.
American Airlines announced in April that it would begin offering free Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi to all Rapid Rewards members. This is part of our ongoing commitment to elevating the cabin experience, with free Wi-Fi being just one of many enhancements customers will see in the coming years,” Tony Roach, Southwest’s executive vice president, chief customer and brand, said in a statement posted online .
Southwest previously charged $8 for Wi-Fi per flight segment, and past reviews haven’t been great, according to aviation blogs like Wingview . The blog also notes that while Southwest’s Wi-Fi is free, requiring people to become a Fast Rewards member is a marketing ploy that “allows them to pitch credit cards to disgruntled customers who dislike bag fees and new seat fees (some of which are waived with the card).”
Customers can enroll in Southwest Rapid Rewards before their flight or in the air, according to the airline.
“We’re partnering with Southwest to make it easier for millions of travelers to stay connected in the air,” 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 Wi-Fi from takeoff to landing—no strings attached, no surprises. It’s just one more way we can help make the journey a little smoother.”
