In my last WiFi post, I promised that we would reveal the remaining details, including the price, in late October.
Today, I am pleased to announce that, after many months of price tests, Customer surveys, and industry observations, we are revealing a special introductory flat rate of $5! That's right ... for only $5 you can have full access to the Internet from departure to arrival. We plan to stay at a flat rate of $5 for all flight lengths and device types (laptop or handheld) as we continue to add to our growing number of WiFi-enabled aircraft. As of today, we have 32 planes installed with the Row 44 system, and we are adding to that number weekly.
So, how will you know you're on a WiFi plane? During the installation phase, we plan to roll out Customer notification and advance-purchase options. In the shortterm, we will be sending e-mails to Customers scheduled to be on a WiFi plane 24 hours before departure. Once onboard, Customers will be met by our new WiFi signs announcing they are onboard a "Southwest Airlines WiFi Hotspot." And, of course, our wonderful airport Employees and Flight Attendants will be helping us spread the word as well!
Once the Flight Attendants announce it is safe to turn on electronic devices, you simply have to boot up, select "Southwest WiFi" and launch your Internet browser. You will then have access to limited free content including a flight tracker, games, shopping, and all that southwest.com has to offer via the "Southwest Airlines WiFi Hotspot" portal. You can then choose to spend your time exploring the free portal or pay the low introductory $5 to check e-mail, visit Facebook, watch YouTube ... the opportunities are endless! (Please note: VoIP--Voice Over Internet Protocol--is blocked).
At Southwest, we are dedicated to providing the best service at a great value, and WiFi is no exception. We hope to see you onboard one of our WiFi planes soon! For more information about Southwest’s WiFi, visit southwest.com/wifi.
Comments
What is the percentage of planes that have the Wi-Fi capability at this point?
When does Southwest expect to have all planes fitted with the Wi-Fi hardware?
It sure seems as if it is moving really slowly! I have only seen a couple Wi-Fi equipped planes over my 30 flight segments in the past two months.
You can't use the Wi-Fi as a benefit to A-list preferred members if you don't have the fleet substantially outfitted!
Its best to use a vpn for sensitive info on a open Wifi Hotspot
Don't expect to do anything that requires real-time updates (like games) on Southwest.
The latency ranges anywhere from between 800-12000ms. Yes that is 1 to 12 *seconds*!
Any thought of sending out Wifi coupons instead of Drink Coupons, or making it a part of A-List, now that you are changing the Rapid Rewards rules.
Have been excited about this for quite a while, but still haven't had the opportunity to try it out! Have to say, though, that if it stays with the $5 per segment, that it would end up being too expensive. ALL my flights have segments (fly out of Love Field) - lol. Please reconsider for one fee for entire trip.
Are you guys going to offer and incentives for Rapid Rewards members in regard to the wifi? Do they get a discounted rate? Have you guys worked out the figures out for that yet?
Currently the $5 is per segment so if you have a stop or connecting flight, you'll be required to pay twice. We hope to transition to O&D (covering full flight, including all stops and connections) in early December.
Regarding monthly/yearly passes...all that is being considered as part of the long term plan. With only 33 aircraft our options are still limited. We want to make sure that paying for a service means you have access to that service. As we get more aircraft outfitted with the system, we'll roll out more payment options.
Great news! $5 is a great price. Gotta love SouthWest.
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Hi Adrian,
We do not currently have plans to offer onboard power. However, with the recent redesign of our gate areas, Customers can charge up at our power stations, where available, prior to a flight.
Laurel
Hi Walter,
Yes, VoIP is the only blocked service.
Laurel