Southwest Airlines Announces Free Wi-Fi for Everyone, Months After Taking Away Free Checked Bags

Southwest Airlines has announced that it will offer free Wi-Fi on all its flights, making it the largest U.S. airline to provide this service at no additional cost to passengers. This move comes just months after the airline took away its complimentary checked bag policy, which had been a long-standing perk for Southwest customers. The new free Wi-Fi initiative is seen as an effort by Southwest to maintain its reputation for customer-friendly policies and remain competitive in the industry. The service will be available on the majority of the airline's fleet by the end of 2023, allowing passengers to stay connected during their travels. While the free Wi-Fi announcement has been well-received by many travelers, it also highlights the ongoing balancing act airlines face in finding the right mix of amenities and fees to optimize their revenues. The move may be viewed as a trade-off, with the loss of free checked bags being offset by the new complimentary Wi-Fi offering.