When it comes to air travel, in-flight entertainment is a significant factor that can make your journey more enjoyable and relaxing. Southwest Airlines, known for its customer-friendly policies and no-frills approach, offers a range of entertainment options to keep you engaged throughout your flight. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Southwest Inflight Entertainment, including the available options, how to access them, and tips for making the most of your in-flight experience.

What is Southwest Inflight Entertainment?

Southwest Inflight Entertainment refers to the range of entertainment options available to passengers during their flight with Southwest Airlines. Unlike some other airlines that offer seat-back screens, Southwest takes a different approach by providing in-flight entertainment through passengers’ personal devices. This means that to enjoy the entertainment options, you’ll need to have your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with you.

How to Access Southwest Inflight Entertainment

Accessing Southwest Inflight Entertainment is straightforward and convenient. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Bring Your Device: Since Southwest does not offer seat-back screens, you’ll need to bring your device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, to enjoy the entertainment options.
2. Connect to the In-Flight Wi-Fi: Once you’re on board and the flight has taken off, connect your device to the Southwest Wi-Fi network. This service is free for accessing the in-flight entertainment portal, though there is a separate fee if you want to use the internet for browsing or streaming.
3. Open the Southwest In-Flight Entertainment Portal: After connecting to the Wi-Fi, open your web browser and visit the Southwest Airlines entertainment portal. This is where you’ll find all the available entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, music, and more.
4. Choose Your Entertainment: Browse through the available content and select what you’d like to watch or listen to. The portal offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find your preferred entertainment.

What Entertainment Options Are Available?

Southwest Airlines offers a variety of entertainment options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Movies

Southwest’s in-flight entertainment portal includes a wide selection of movies, ranging from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to timeless classics. The movie library is regularly updated, ensuring there’s always something new to watch on your flight.

• New Releases: Enjoy the latest movies that have recently hit theaters.
• Classics: Revisit some of your favorite classic films from various genres.
• Family-Friendly Options: Southwest offers a variety of family-friendly movies that are suitable for all ages, making it easy to keep kids entertained during the flight.

2. TV Shows

If you prefer shorter content, Southwest’s selection of TV shows is sure to keep you entertained. The portal offers a range of popular TV series across different genres, including drama, comedy, action, and more.

• Current Hits: Catch up on the latest episodes of popular TV shows.
• Classic Series: Relive your favorite moments from classic TV shows that you’ve loved for years.
• Documentaries: For those interested in learning something new, Southwest offers a variety of documentary series covering topics like nature, history, and science.

3. Live TV

One of the standout features of Southwest Inflight Entertainment is the availability of live TV. This service allows you to stay connected to real-time news, sports, and entertainment while you’re in the air.

• News Channels: Stay updated with live broadcasts from major news networks.
• Sports Channels: Don’t miss out on live sporting events with access to channels like ESPN.
• Entertainment Channels: Enjoy live shows and events as they happen, right from your seat.

4. Music

For music lovers, Southwest offers a selection of streaming music channels. These channels cover a variety of genres, so you can find the perfect soundtrack for your flight.

• Genre-Based Channels: Whether you’re into pop, rock, country, or jazz, Southwest has a music channel for you.
• Curated Playlists: Enjoy curated playlists that match your mood or discover new artists and songs.
• Podcasts: For those who prefer spoken content, Southwest offers a selection of podcasts on various topics, including true crime, comedy, and personal development.

5. Games

If you’re in the mood for some interactive entertainment, Southwest offers a selection of games that you can play directly through the in-flight entertainment portal. These games are perfect for passing the time on longer flights.

• Puzzle Games: Challenge your mind with various puzzle games.
• Trivia: Test your knowledge with trivia questions across different categories.
• Action Games: Get your adrenaline pumping with a selection of action-packed games.

Tips for Enhancing Your Inflight Entertainment Experience

To make the most of Southwest Inflight Entertainment, consider these tips:

1. Charge Your Devices: Before boarding your flight, ensure your devices are fully charged. While Southwest flights offer USB ports for charging, having a fully charged device from the start will ensure you don’t run out of battery mid-movie.
2. Bring Headphones: To enjoy the in-flight entertainment without disturbing your fellow passengers, make sure to bring a pair of headphones. Noise-cancelling headphones are especially useful for blocking out background noise.
3. Download the Southwest App: While the entertainment portal is accessible through a web browser, having the Southwest app installed on your device can provide a smoother experience. The app also allows you to manage your booking, check in for your flight, and more.
4. Bring a Power Bank: If you’re on a long flight or have multiple devices, consider bringing a portable power bank to keep everything charged and ready for entertainment.
5. Explore All Options: Don’t just settle for the first movie or show you see. Take a moment to explore the full range of content available on the portal to find something that truly interests you.

The Southwest Experience Beyond Entertainment

While Southwest Inflight Entertainment is a great way to pass the time, it’s only one part of the overall Southwest Airlines experience. Southwest is known for its customer-friendly policies, such as free checked bags (up to two), no change fees, and an open seating policy that allows you to choose your seat when you board.

• Open Seating Policy: Southwest’s open seating policy allows you to choose your seat based on your boarding group. This unique approach gives you the flexibility to select a seat that best suits your needs, whether it’s near the front of the plane for a quick exit or by the window for a better view.
• Friendly Crew: Southwest is also known for its friendly and humorous flight attendants, who often go out of their way to make your flight enjoyable. Whether it’s through a witty safety announcement or a helpful tip, the Southwest crew adds a personal touch to your journey.
• Snacks and Drinks: While Southwest doesn’t offer full meals on most flights, they do provide complimentary snacks and beverages. Depending on the flight duration, you may receive pretzels, peanuts, or other light snacks, along with a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

Conclusion

Southwest Inflight Entertainment offers a range of options to keep you entertained and engaged during your flight. From movies and TV shows to live TV, music, and games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By bringing your device, connecting to the in-flight Wi-Fi, and exploring the entertainment portal, you can make the most of your time in the air.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Southwest’s commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience is evident in their entertainment offerings. So next time you fly with Southwest, be sure to take advantage of all the in-flight entertainment options available to you.