The Product
- What makes Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi unique?
We were the first US airline to evaluate satellite-delivered broadband onboard and are excited to move forward with this cutting-edge technology. We are using the most robust satellite solution available, which will ultimately provide the most “at office and at home-like” Internet experience for our Customers. - How much will this service cost?
The service currently ranges from $2 to $12 for each segment of your trip—depending on the distance you are traveling and the type of device you are using to connect—and the cost for you to get online will be displayed when you launch your internet browser. - Do I get to tell you what I think?
Yes! As always, we would LUV to hear what our Customers have to say. We are surveying Customers who have traveled on a wi-fi flight, and your opinion will be extremely helpful as we shape the future of this exciting product. - Will I be able to recharge my laptop onboard?
We do not currently have plans to offer onboard power. However, with the recent redesign of our gate areas, Customers can charge up at our power stations, where available, prior to a flight. - Can I check out a laptop or view the network on seatback screens?
We do not currently have plans to install seatback screens or provide laptops for rental. Wi-Fi will be accessed from a Customer’s personal Wi-Fi enabled device. - What is Yahoo’s! involvement?
We partnered with Yahoo! to design a fully-interactive portal to greet Customers when they connect inflight. The portal makes it easy for Customers to research top attractions and restaurants at their destination; track their flight's progress and see pictures of the sites over which they are traveling; and stay on top of breaking entertainment, sports, and financial news.
Timing
- How will I know if I am going to be on one of the aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi?
Unfortunately, due to the way our aircraft are routed, we cannot give you advance notice that you will be on a Wi-Fi-enabled plane. The four outfitted aircraft will be flying all across our system, so be on the lookout for the “Wi-Fi Hot Spot” sign when boarding to let you know if you can get online while in the air. - When will all aircraft have Wi-Fi?
We have yet to firm up our plans, but we hope to begin installing the service on more planes in early 2010.
Once Onboard a Wi-Fi Aircraft
- When can I use Wi-Fi?
As soon as the Flight Attendant says it is safe to turn on approved electronic devices, you are free to connect. The Flight Attendant will also announce when it is time to turn off and stow your device before landing. The network will be unavailable at that time. - What kind of device do I need?
All you need is a Wi-Fi-enabled device (802.11a/b/or g) with an Internet browser. Please note that cellular devices without a Wi-Fi component will not work with this system, and their use is restricted to Game or Airplane mode per current regulations. - How do I connect to the network?
Every device is different but here are the basic steps:- Once the Flight Attendant has announced it is safe to use approved portable electronics, turn on your Wi-Fi enabled device.
- View available wireless networks, select “SouthwestWi-Fi,” and connect.
- Launch your Internet browser.
- Enter your billing information and click “Go.”
- Enjoy exploring the Southwest Wi-Fi portal designed by Yahoo! and surfing the World Wide Web!
- What can I do on the network?
Just about anything you can do at work and at home you can do on our network. Please keep in mind that some heavy bandwidth applications (video downloads, voice calls, etc.) will be blocked to preserve a high quality experience for all users onboard. - What kind of security is on the network?
The onboard wireless connection is similar to a Wi-Fi hotspot at a coffee shop, library, hotel, or airport. You should exercise the same precautions you would at one of these public locations. - Will the network content be filtered?
Yes. As is common on many other public networks, we will attempt to filter indecent content.