Southwest Tests Service Upgrades With Free Wifi
Southwest Airlines will temporarily offer travelers free Wi-Fi on certain flights starting this week, part of a test to bring faster internet to more customers.
The carrier has outfitted 40 of its Boeing 737s with upgraded hardware for its Wi-Fi service, according to a memo to employees sent Tuesday. Southwest’s Wi-Fi upgrades are the latest effort by an airline to improve connectivity on board.
Hawaiian Airlines last week said it plans to offer free Wi-Fi as early as next year via SpaceX’s Starlink service, which it hopes will bring fast internet to passengers on long trips over the Pacific Ocean. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian has repeatedly said the airline plans to offer free internet connection. The carrier trialed the complimentary access before the pandemic.
