Southwest Airways is dipping its toes into free Wi-Fi.
Beginning Friday, the airline will provide free inflight web connectivity to members of its Speedy 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 Speedy Rewards quantity or join this system — both previous to departure or whereas flying.
It is a minimum of 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, reside TV and film picks.
“We’ll use the findings from each checks to boost our Wi-Fi providing and proceed to strengthen what we provide clients to fulfill their wants,” the airline mentioned 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.
Delta Air Strains and United Airways are already effectively into outfitting their fleets with quick, free web service. JetBlue has provided its complimentary Wi-Fi for years.
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And most lately, American Airways introduced it could start making inflight Wi-Fi free to flyers in 2026.
Learn extra: Southwest unveils massive 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 think about providing free inflight Wi-Fi past this restricted provide, we have to guarantee a top quality product, and checks like this present useful data and insights,” Southwest informed 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 check. So carriers oftentimes wish to experiment with free service to see how the Wi-Fi holds up with extra customers.
At this time, Southwest costs a flat $8 fee for full connectivity.
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