does southwest have seatback screens

Does Southwest Have TVs ?

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So does Southwest Airlines have TVs on board?

Southwest Airlines does not have TVs or SeatBack screens on its airplanes.

Southwest Airlines has a range of free inflight entertainment, you can bring your device (phone or tablet) on board and connect to watch your favorite movies, TV shows, or play a game.

In this post, you’ll find out what Southwest offers instead of SeatBack TVs, I will explain everything in a simple way, so you know what to expect when you fly.

Let’s find out.

Does Southwest Have a SeatBack Screen?

Southwest Airlines 737-MAX8 economy seats showing the seat backs without built-in TV screens
Screenshot from Southwest's website stating they do not have seatback screens or devices to rent.

As you can see in the image and screenshot above, Southwest Airplane seats do not have SeatBack screens.

According to Southwest, passengers need to bring their own devices on board like phones, tablets, and notebooks that are compatible with the Southwest Inflight Entertainment Portal.

So make sure to bring your fully charged device on board with you.

You will also need to bring with your headphones as Southwest do not offer headphones on board.

Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi & Inflight Entertainment

To watch entertainment on board Southwest Airlines, first you will need to connect to onboard network.

Head to your phone or tablet settings. Switch your device to Airplane Mode, then turn your WiFi on.

Choose SouthwestWiFi from your WiFi network list. A new page will appear with a link to Southwestwifi.com or with an option to copy the URL.

Click on the link or copy it into your browser.

If the Inflight Entertainment Portal doesn’t load automatically, type www.southwestwifi.com into the address bar.

How do I pay for WiFi on Southwest Airlines?

You can pay for WiFi on Southwest Airlines by purchasing an internet package for $8 per day per device to access the internet.

You can purchase messaging capabilities for $2 per day per device. The charge to rent a movie is $5 per day per device.

Southwest also offers free live and on demand TV plus music through their inflight entertainment portal.

Pro Tip: you can Write all of your emails and send them from the ground and save $8.00, while still getting work done.

How do I find movies on the Southwest app?

Does Southwest Have Seatback Screens-01
Southwest does not have Screens/ courtesy of southwest

To find movies on the Southwest app, first download the Southwest app on your mobile or tablet from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store before your flight.

Access the Inflight Entertainment Portal to stay connected while you are flying. The service only allows access to iMessage and WhatsApp (must be downloaded before the flight).

Can you watch Southwest movies on your laptop?

Does Southwest Airlines have inflight entertainment
Southwest Airlines inflight entertainment (image courtesy Southwest)

Yes, you can watch Southwest movies on your laptop.

Laptops and Macs

  • Operating System: Windows 7 and above; macOS 10.11 and above
  • Browser: Most recent version, or one previous version, of Chrome, Firefox, Safari (Mac only), and Edge (Windows only)

iOS Mobile and Tablets

  • Operating System: iOS 12 and above; iPadOS 13 and above

Android Mobile and Tablets

  • Operating System: Android 8.0 and above

Does Southwest have free WiFi?

WiFi coverage may not be available for the duration of your flight to / from some international destinations.

but you will get a notification via the Inflight Entertainment Portal during your flight with information regarding any expected loss of coverage.

Will I be able to recharge my device onboard?

Southwest does not currently offer onboard power.

However, with the recent redesign of Southwest gate areas, you can charge your device(s) at Southwest power stations, where available, prior to your flight.

Final Thoughts

Southwest does not have TVs or SeatBack screens or monitors. If you’re expecting one, you’ll be disappointed.

But if you come prepared with your personal device (and a full battery), you’ll still have plenty to watch.

From free movies and TV shows to live channels and music, the entertainment is solid as long as you bring the screen.

So grab your phone, tablet, or laptop, pack your headphones, and don’t count on a screen in front of you. On Southwest, the SeatBack is just a SeatBack.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.