Southwest Airways is dipping its toes into free Wi-Fi.
Beginning Friday, the airline will provide free inflight web connectivity to members of its Fast Rewards loyalty program for one week.
It might be an indication of what is to return.
The Dallas-based service will make its onboard web complimentary to loyalty members between Aug. 8 and 14.
To entry free looking and streaming, prospects should both log in with their Fast Rewards quantity or join this system — both previous to departure or whereas flying.
It is not less than the second time this 12 months Southwest has experimented with free inflight web in what it is describing as a trial to evaluate prospects’ use of its Wi-Fi, reside TV and film picks.
“We are going to use the findings from each assessments to reinforce our Wi-Fi providing and proceed to strengthen what we provide prospects to satisfy their wants,” the airline mentioned this week.
Free inflight web changing into the norm
Free on-board Wi-Fi has been a rising pattern throughout the U.S. airline trade lately.
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And most just lately, American Airways introduced it might start making inflight Wi-Fi free to flyers in 2026.
Learn extra: Southwest unveils huge bank card refresh: 50% price hikes, however new seating and boarding perks
Might free Wi-Fi be subsequent at Southwest?
Might this free Wi-Fi trial be a step towards Southwest providing common free inflight web?
The airline appeared to acknowledge as a lot.
“Earlier than we think about providing free inflight Wi-Fi past this restricted provide, we have to guarantee a high quality product, and assessments like this present precious data and insights,” Southwest advised TPG Friday.
Airways rightfully count on that making web free to many extra passengers means much more flyers will use the service, placing bandwidth to the take a look at. So carriers oftentimes prefer to experiment with free service to see how the Wi-Fi holds up with extra customers.
Immediately, Southwest fees a flat $8 fee for full connectivity.
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