Airline Southwest Announces Complementary Same-Day Standby and Wi-Fi Access Without Cost
Southwest Airlines has made changes to its policy regarding free same-day standby and inflight Wi-Fi, effective at an unspecified date.
Previously, free same-day standby was only available to passengers with Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select Fares. However, the airline is now extending this perk to all passengers, including those with Basic fares. The changes are scheduled to take effect, but Southwest Airlines has not specified a date for when the new perks will be implemented.
Regarding free inflight Wi-Fi, there is no information available about Southwest offering free inflight Wi-Fi specifically to Business Select passengers or any other group as of mid-2025. Inflight Wi-Fi for Business Select fare passengers currently costs $8 per device per flight.
It is not clear if the changes will apply to flights booked before the new policy takes effect. Southwest did not provide any information on whether the changes will impact their overall pricing structure or revenue.
The announcement does not mention any changes to other fare types or perks. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers up to 365 Wi-Fi credits each year, valid through December 31, 2025.
Southwest Airlines does not charge change or cancellation fees, as detailed in our guide. Business Select fare passengers will now receive complimentary inflight Wi-Fi, but it remains to be seen if this will be a permanent feature or a temporary promotion.
The airline is also implementing assigned seating and some new fare structures starting 2026, replacing its open seating model. However, this does not affect standby eligibility described above.
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- The new policy change at Southwest Airlines extends the free same-day standby perk to all passengers, regardless of their fare type, similar to how data-and-cloud-computing services improve access to resources for various business sectors.
- In contrast to Southwest Airlines' plans for free same-day standby, they do not currently offer free inflight Wi-Fi specifically to Business Select passengers or any other group, as technology advancements in data-and-cloud-computing often lead to more streamlined and efficient business operations.
- As Southwest Airlines implements new fare structures starting in 2026, including assigned seating, they also offer travel-related benefits such as up to 365 Wi-Fi credits per year with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card – a testament to how lifestyle choices often intertwine with technology and business needs for a modern and connected travel experience.
