Southwest Introduces Free In-Flight Messaging

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Southwest Airlines is taking a step to help keep us more connected with free in-flight messaging!

Other airlines, like Delta and Alaska Airlines already have this feature.  But even if Southwest is a bit late to the party, as long as they don’t start adding fees for checked bags or cancellations, they’ll be just fine!

You’ll be able to send messages through apps like iMessenger or WhatsApp for free, as long as you download the app before hand.  This service used to cost $2, but now Southwest is removing the fee.

To see if the feature is available on your flight just check the entertainment portal.  If it’s available, you should see a “Free Access” button next to the messaging tab in the WiFi portal.

In-flight messaging is connected to the internet, but does not allow you to surf the web, check emails, or stream your favorite show.  This service only allows text messages to be sent, not photos or anything else.  Currently it is only available on select flights, but Southwest hopes to roll it out to the rest of the fleet.

Even before this change, folks who bought the Southwest WiFi ($8) would get the ability to send in-flight messages included with the purchase.

My experience with in-flight messaging is limited to Delta, but has been a very seamless experience.  Just make sure you have the proper apps downloaded on your phone before you board, so you aren’t scrambling as the plane is taking off!

While there is a beauty to being in the air and being disconnected from society during a flight, the reality is our lives don’t stop just because we are 30,000 feet.

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