Southwest Airlines is known for its many freebies, things for which other airlines charge like changing your flight and checked bags. Now, Southwest text messaging is a new FREE service, as well.
Did I mention I love Southwest? 🙂
How great that you can text FREE on your next Southwest Airlines flight?!
Can You Text on Southwest?
Yes, you can text on Southwest and for FREE!
Until 2019, Southwest charged $2 to text while flying or you got it free when you purchased the full $8 WiFi.
Now, however, you can text free via WhatsApp and iMessage on most flights.
Being able to text while inflight is a game changer!
You can notify loved ones that you will be landing soon and let them know they need to pick you up.
Or finalize those trip plans by contacting your hotel or car rental company.
Don’t let work take a backseat while flying! Now you can text with co-workers to keep everything running smoothly. (Unless you prefer a nap 😉)
What else will you be texting?
What You Need to Know About Southwest Text Messaging
Messaging is currently FREE on Southwest!
How do you know if it’s available on your flight?
You’ll need to log into Southwest’s WiFi and check the inflight entertainment portal.
Read my post that explains how to do that.
Your flight will also need to have operational WiFi.
And you’ll need to agree to the terms in order to receive access.
You can do that on the Southwest text messaging page in the WiFi portal.
Which Platforms Can I Use for Southwest Text Messaging?
To take advantage of Southwest text messaging, you’ll need to download either the WhatsApp or iMessage app to your smartphone PRIOR to boarding.
Most iPhone users already have iMessage on their phone and currently use the app for texting.
When using the iMessage app, the blue text bubble indicates iMessage and the green text bubble indicates SMS.
Unfortunately messaging will not work with SMS.
Most Android devices use SMS, and iPhones use iMessage.
If you don’t have it WhatsApp, make sure to download so you can stay in contact with family and friends while flying.
If you try messaging a friend and get an error message, it’s likely that your friend is not connected to iMessage, so it won’t work. (It could also mean they have an Android.)
Here is more information on Southwest text messaging from Southwest.
What do you think? Good addition?
Have you tried to text on a Southwest plane?
