So, you’re standing in line at the gate, clutching a lukewarm latte, and wondering if you actually downloaded that Netflix series like you told yourself you would. We’ve all been there. The panic sets in when you realize your "offline" library is just three episodes of a podcast you don't even like anymore.
But honestly? If you're flying Southwest this month, you can probably just relax.
The movies on southwest airlines this month are actually pretty great, and the best part is you don't have to pay ten bucks for a crappy screen embedded in the seat in front of you. Mainly because Southwest doesn't have those. You use your own phone, tablet, or laptop. It's basically like your living room, just with significantly less legroom and a tiny bag of pretzels.
What’s Actually Playing Right Now?
January 2026 is a massive month for the Southwest portal. They’ve leaned heavily into the "New Year, New Adventure" vibe. If you’re into the big, loud blockbusters, they’ve got Jurassic World: Rebirth leading the pack. It stars Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, and yeah, it’s exactly what you expect—dinosaurs eating people in high definition. It’s perfect for a two-hour flight because you don't really need to think; you just watch a T-Rex destroy a research lab while you sip your ginger ale.
For the Marvel nerds, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is finally on the small(er) screen. It’s got that weird, cool 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic.
Not everyone wants to watch things explode.
If you’re looking for something that feels like a warm hug, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is the standout romance this month. It’s got Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, and it deals with some light time-travel/magical realism stuff. Sorta deep, but not so deep that you’ll miss the point if the pilot interrupts to tell you about the weather in Denver.
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The Full January Lineup (Highlights)
- Action & Adventure: F1: The Movie (with Brad Pitt), Karate Kid: Legends (Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio together at last), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
- Family Favorites: How to Train Your Dragon (the new live-action one), Lilo & Stitch (also the new live-action version), and Freakier Friday—yes, Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back.
- Comedy & Drama: Materialists (Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal), The Wild Robot, and Trap.
- The Classics: They always keep a few staples like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and The Princess Bride in the rotation for when you just want something familiar.
How to Get the Movies to Actually Work
There is nothing more frustrating than sitting down, getting your tray table ready, and realizing you can’t get the Wi-Fi to load the movie list. Southwest’s system is "BYOD"—Bring Your Own Device.
First, put your phone in airplane mode. This is non-negotiable. Then, toggle your Wi-Fi back on and connect to "SouthwestWiFi."
You don’t actually have to buy the $8 internet package to watch the movies. That’s a common misconception. The movies on southwest airlines this month are part of the free entertainment portal. Once you’re connected to the network, open your browser (Safari, Chrome, whatever you use) and type in southwestwifi.com.
It should pop right up.
If it doesn't? Usually, it's because of a VPN or a private relay setting. Turn those off for a second, refresh, and you should see the library.
A Few Things People Usually Get Wrong
I’ve seen people get really annoyed because they brought a MacBook but forgot that the headphone jack is different now, or they didn't realize Southwest doesn't sell earbuds on the plane anymore. They don't. If you forgot your AirPods, you’re basically watching a silent film.
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Another thing: battery life.
Southwest is currently in the middle of a massive fleet upgrade. Many of the 737 MAX 8 planes now have USB-A and USB-C power ports at every seat. But—and this is a big "but"—not every plane has them yet. If you end up on one of the older -700 or -800 series planes, you might be out of luck.
Always, always charge your iPad to 100% before you leave the house. Or bring a portable power bank. Trust me.
The "Invisibly" Changing Fleet
Southwest is going through a bit of a mid-life crisis right now, but in a good way. They’re moving toward assigned seating later this year (starting Jan 27, actually), so the vibe on the plane is shifting. They’re adding better Wi-Fi through T-Mobile, which means the streaming is getting way more stable.
You used to see the video buffer every time the person in 4C tried to send a large email. Now? It’s much smoother.
The "I Have Kids" Survival Strategy
If you're traveling with children, the movie selection is your best friend. This month, they’ve got Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. Honestly, even if your kid has seen them twelve times, the novelty of watching them on an airplane usually buys you at least an hour of peace.
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There’s also an "On Demand" TV section.
They have stuff like Blippi and CoComelon. It’s a lifesaver. Just make sure you have "over-the-ear" headphones for the little ones. Tiny earbuds never stay in, and nobody in row 12 wants to hear the CoComelon song for three hours.
What to Do Before You Board
To make sure you actually get to enjoy the movies on southwest airlines this month, follow this quick checklist. It’s not rocket science, but it saves a lot of headaches at 35,000 feet.
- Download the Southwest App: While you can use the browser, the app sometimes handles the video player more reliably on older iPhones.
- Check Your Battery: If your flight is over two hours, and you don't have a MAX 8 aircraft, you will need a backup power source.
- Pack Real Headphones: Bluetooth is fine, but if they die, a pair of wired ones in your bag is a great "Plan B."
- Turn off "Private Relay": If you’re an iPhone user, go to Settings > iCloud > Private Relay and flip it off before you try to connect to the plane's Wi-Fi. It’s the #1 reason the portal fails to load.
The selection changes on the first of every month, so if you're flying again in February, expect a totally different list. For now, enjoy the dinosaurs and the Lohan-style comedy. It definitely beats staring at the back of a headrest for four hours.
To ensure your device is ready for the flight, verify your Southwest app is updated to the latest version in the App Store or Google Play Store before leaving for the airport. Check your specific flight’s aircraft type on the Southwest website or app 24 hours before departure to see if your plane is equipped with the new in-seat power ports.