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Southwest launches one-week free Wi-Fi trial for Rapid Rewards members

Southwest launches one-week free Wi-Fi trial for Rapid Rewards members
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Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Connect with Bob Jordan on LinkedIn (Opens in a new browser tab) | Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is launching a new trial offering free inflight Wi-Fi to members of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program. The week-long test begins Friday and will run through Aug. 14, allowing eligible passengers to access complimentary internet by logging in with their Rapid Rewards number or enrolling in the program before or during their flight.

This marks at least the second time this year that Southwest has tested free onboard internet. The company stated, "We will use the findings from both tests to enhance our Wi-Fi offering and continue to strengthen what we offer customers to meet their needs." The airline emphasized that these trials are designed to evaluate customer usage of its Wi-Fi, live TV, and movie options.

A spokesperson for Southwest told TPG on Friday, "Before we consider offering free inflight Wi-Fi beyond this limited offer, we need to ensure a quality product, and tests like this provide valuable information and insights."

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Free onboard Wi-Fi has become increasingly common among U.S. airlines. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have made significant progress in providing fast, free internet across their fleets. JetBlue has been known for its complimentary service for several years. American Airlines recently announced plans to introduce free inflight Wi-Fi for all passengers starting in 2026 (https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-free-wifi/).

Currently, Southwest charges $8 for full connectivity per flight segment. Industry observers note that as more airlines move toward offering complimentary internet service, they often conduct trials first to gauge how increased usage impacts network bandwidth.

The results of Southwest's current trial may influence whether the airline decides to expand free Wi-Fi access more broadly in the future.

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