Southwest Airlines is making a huge change starting October 24 | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

Southwest Airlines has made a ton of changes lately. Most of them have not been popular at all.

The airline was once known for free bags, but now charges for them. It also changed its longstanding policy that passengers could get on the plane and sit wherever they wanted.

Many customers have been angered by the policy reset, especially the end of the Bags Fly Free rule, for which the airline was known.

Soon, however, a change is coming that people will actually like.

On October 24, Southwest Airlines will introduce a new feature that will make life a lot better for flyers.

Passengers on Southwest Airlines flights can expect a big change soon.

Image source&colon; Paul Hennessy/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

This huge change is coming to Southwest Airlines on October 24

Southwest Airlines revealed a new offering on September 4, 2025. In a press release, the airline indicated it has partnered with T-Mobile to provide free WiFi for all Rapid Rewards members.

The carrier shared:

“Southwest Airlines Co today announced a new partnership delivering free unlimited WiFi for all Rapid Rewards® Members beginning Oct. 24, 2025. This marks the first-ever collaboration between Southwest® and T-Mobile®, bringing together two brands dedicated to putting Customers first and keeping them connected on all Southwest flights— at no extra cost.”

Southwest Airlines wants to improve the flying experience

Southwest Airlines is offering this free WiFi as a service to customers to try to make flying with the airline more enjoyable.

Southwest Airlines Chief Customer & Brand Officer Tony Roach explained that this move was intended to improve travelers’ flying experience.

“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,” Roach said.

“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.”

You’ll need to become a Rapid Rewards member to take advantage

While the WiFi will now be free on flights, only Rapid Rewards members will be able to take advantage of it.

Fortunately, it is completely free to become a Rapid Rewards member. Just sign up online here.

Rapid Rewards, Southwest’s loyalty program, allows members to earn points redeemable for free flights, hotel stays, or other perks.

Free in-flight WiFi is a growing trend

Southwest explained in its press release that it is making a pioneering move within the airline industry. The airline stated:

“With more than 800 aircraft, Southwest will be the largest domestic airline to implement free WiFi on every flight this year. All Southwest Rapid Rewards Customers, regardless of their wireless provider, will be able to access free WiFi for the duration of their flight.”

More Airlines:

However, a growing number of airlines are also offering free WiFi access to customers, or are at least in the process of trying to do so.

The Points Guy reported in March of 2025 that Delta Air Lines started offering free WiFi to SkyMiles members in 2023, although it’s been taking years to get it into planes across the whole fleet.

United Airlines and American Airlines have also begun trying out free WiFi.

With so many passengers wanting to be connected, and with so many ways to get access to WiFi in the sky, this perk may become standard over time — especially with airlines like Southwest leading the way in fleetwide implementation.