Southwest Airlines passengers can now stay connected for free. As long as they’re Rapid Rewards members, of course.

Starting Oct. 24, the Dallas-based carrier is offering complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to all members of its free loyalty program. The service is powered by T-Mobile and available “from takeoff to landing” across much of Southwest’s fleet. The airline said the rollout will reach more than 800 aircraft by late November.

“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,” Tony Roach, Southwest’s executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer, said in a statement. “This is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience, with free Wi-Fi being just one of the many enhancements customers will see in the months ahead.”

To log on, travelers will need to enter their Rapid Rewards account information.

"We’re excited for Rapid Rewards members to experience free in-flight Wi-Fi from takeoff to landing – no strings, no surprises. It’s just one more way we’re helping make travel a little smoother," Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products at T-Mobile, said in a September statement.

The new perk comes as Southwest prepares for bigger shifts in its operations. Next year, the airline plans to introduce assigned seating for the first time and has already added checked bag fees and new fare tiers.

JetBlue, which already offers free Wi-Fi on every flight, also announced in September a new partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to bring higher-speed satellite internet to its planes starting in 2027.

Here's where the rest of the major U.S. airlines stand on in-flight Wi-Fi access:

  • American Airlines: Free Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members begins in January 2026. Currently, T-Mobile members with certain plans can connect for free.
  • Delta Air Lines: "Free Wi-Fi is available for SkyMiles Members on most domestic flights and rolling out internationally"; some flights still charge a fee.
  • United Airlines: Free Starlink access for MileagePlus members on select flights. On most other flights, there's an $8 charge for members and a $10 charge for non-members.
  • Southwest Airlines: Free access for Rapid Rewards members begins Oct. 24.
  • JetBlue: Free Wi-Fi on all flights. "Some flights traveling outside of the continental United States - with the exception of Europe and the UK - may have unavailable service."
  • Spirit Airlines: Wi-Fi available for a fee, with browsing services starting at $5.99 and streaming starting at $7.99
  • Frontier Airlines: The airline does not offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines: Wi-Fi is available for $8. "Starting in 2026, members of Atmos Rewards, an enhanced, combined loyalty program by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on Starlink-equipped aircraft."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest now offers free in-flight Wi-Fi for these passengers

Reporting by Zach Wichter and Josh Rivera, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect