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 could be an indication of what is to come back.
The Dallas-based provider will make its onboard web complimentary to loyalty members between Aug. 8 and 14.
To entry free shopping and streaming, clients should both log in with their Fast Rewards quantity or join this system — both previous to departure or whereas flying.
It is at the very least the second time this yr Southwest has experimented with free inflight web in what it is describing as a trial to evaluate clients’ use of its Wi-Fi, dwell TV and film alternatives.
“We are going to use the findings from each exams to reinforce our Wi-Fi providing and proceed to strengthen what we provide clients to satisfy their wants,” the airline stated this week.
Free inflight web changing into the norm
Free on-board Wi-Fi has been a rising development throughout the U.S. airline trade lately.
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And most 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% charge hikes, however new seating and boarding perks
May free Wi-Fi be subsequent at Southwest?
May 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 contemplate providing free inflight Wi-Fi past this restricted provide, we have to guarantee a top quality product, and exams like this present useful data and insights,” Southwest instructed TPG Friday.
Airways rightfully count on that making web free to many extra passengers means way 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.
In the present day, Southwest fees a flat $8 charge for full connectivity.
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