Southwest In Flight Movies: What You Actually Need to Know Before Your Next Trip

You’re standing in the boarding line at DAL or BWI, juggling a coffee and a rolling bag, and you realize you forgot to download that Netflix series. Panic sets in. We’ve all been there. You start wondering if you’re about to stare at the back of a headrest for the next four hours.

But here is the thing: Southwest in flight movies are actually pretty solid, provided you know how the system works. It’s not like the old days of squinting at a tiny screen hanging from the ceiling.

Honestly, Southwest’s setup is a bit of a "bring your own party" situation. They don't have those seatback screens you see on Delta or United. Instead, they beam everything directly to your phone, tablet, or laptop. It’s free. Totally free. You don’t even have to pay for the Wi-Fi to watch them.

The 2026 Reality: How to Actually Connect

First off, don't wait until you're at 30,000 feet to figure this out. The process is straightforward, but if you’re tech-averse, it can be a little annoying.

1. Flip your phone to Airplane Mode.
2. Turn your Wi-Fi back on and join the "SouthwestWiFi" network.
3. Usually, a portal pops up automatically. If it doesn't? Just type SouthwestWiFi.com into your browser.

One big change that kicked in recently: Free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members. As of late 2025 and moving into 2026, Southwest partnered with T-Mobile to stop charging that annoying $8 fee for internet access, as long as you have a loyalty account. Even if you aren't a member, the movies and Live TV remain free for everyone.

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What’s on the Menu Right Now?

Southwest cycles their library constantly. They have a deal with major studios like Warner Bros. and Universal, so the "New Release" section isn't just stuff from three years ago.

Right now, in early 2026, you're looking at a mix of recent blockbusters and "comfort food" cinema. Recent updates to the portal have included hits like Mickey 17, A Minecraft Movie, and the Thunderbolts* Marvel flick.

If you’re flying with kids—or you’re just a Pixar adult, no judgment—they almost always have The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Moana 2, and Despicable Me 4 in the rotation. They also keep a "Be Kind, Rewind" section for classics like Ocean's Eleven or Forrest Gump.

The Hardware Problem (and the Fix)

Since there are no seatback screens, you are the mounting bracket. Holding a phone for a two-hour movie is a recipe for a cramped hand.

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I’ve seen people get really creative with this. Some people tuck their phone cover into the tray table latch. Others bring those flexible "snake" mounts.

Pro Tip: If you’re lucky enough to be on one of the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, look for the built-in device holders on the seatbacks. Southwest has been retrofitting the fleet with these, along with USB-A and USB-C power ports. If you’re on an older -700 series, though, bring a power bank. Streaming video drains batteries fast, and those older planes are basically "power deserts."

Live TV vs. On-Demand Movies

Sometimes you don't want a movie. You want to see if the world is ending or if your team is winning. Southwest is one of the few low-cost carriers that does Live TV well.

They carry about 14ish channels, including:

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• CNN and FOX News (for the news junkies).
• ESPN and ESPN2 (crucial for Sunday afternoon flights).
• USA, FX, and Disney Channel.

Just keep in mind that Live TV can be spotty when flying over the ocean or near the Mexican border due to satellite switching. It’s not perfect. It glitches. Sometimes the person next to you is cheering for a goal three seconds before it happens on your screen because of the lag. It’s part of the charm.

What Most People Get Wrong About the Portal

There’s a common misconception that you need the Southwest app to watch movies.

You don't.

While the app is great for checking in or tracking bags, the entertainment portal runs entirely through your web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.). This is a lifesaver if your phone is almost out of storage and you can't download a 200MB app while sitting on the tarmac.

Actionable Steps for Your Next Flight

If you want to make sure your "personal cinema" actually works, do these three things:

• Sign up for Rapid Rewards now. It’s free, and it’s the only way to get the full-speed internet for free (thanks to the T-Mobile partnership) if you want to browse the web while the movie plays in a corner window.
• Pack a tablet. A 6-inch phone screen is fine, but an iPad or a Kindle Fire makes the experience ten times better.
• Bring noise-canceling headphones. Southwest planes are loud. The 737 is a workhorse, but it’s not the quietest cabin in the sky. If you're trying to hear the dialogue in a gritty drama, those $5 earbuds you found in your junk drawer aren't going to cut it.

Check the current movie lineup on the Southwest website a day before you fly if you're a planner—they usually post a "What's Playing" list in their digital newsroom. Otherwise, just charge your devices, grab some extra pretzels, and enjoy the show.