Members of Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards loyalty program are getting access to a brand new onboard perk this fall.
The budget carrier just announced it will be partnering with T-Mobile to roll out free in-flight Wi-Fi for Rapids Rewards members on all of its planes, starting in October.
Southwest has a fleet of more than 800 planes, so when the new Wi-Fi launches, it will become the largest carrier in the United States to offer free connectivity on every flight.
The airline says it has recently been testing free Wi-Fi across its fleet, and the pilot program received strong customer satisfaction scores from those passengers that used the network.
Beginning October 24, all Rapid Rewards members will be able to access the free Wi-Fi on board their Southwest flight, regardless of their mobile provider. Passengers who don’t have a Rapid Rewards account can sign up for free before their flight and connect once on board.
The new in-flight perk is a win for Southwest fliers, some of whom have been less than happy with recent changes at the airline, such as the end of its open seating policy and new charges for checked bags.
Officials at the airline say the onboard connectivity is just one perk among multiple forthcoming upgrades passengers can expect to see in the coming months.
“We are focused on making sure our Customers have a great experience from the time they book a flight to the time they reach their destination,” said Tony Roach, Southwest’s executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer. “We’re pleased to partner with T-Mobile to bring free WiFi to all Rapid Rewards Members. This is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience, with free WiFi being just one of the many enhancements Customers will see in the months ahead."
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