Today, Southwest Airlines announced, after many months of price tests, Customer surveys, and industry observations, that they are revealing a special introductory flat rate of $5 for wi-fi aboard Southwest flights! That’s right … for only $5 you can have full access to the Internet from departure to arrival. Southwest plans to stay at a flat rate of $5 for all flight lengths and device types (laptop or handheld) as they continue to add to their growing number of WiFi-enabled aircraft. As of today, Southwest has 32 planes installed with the Row 44 system, and they are adding to that number weekly.

So, how will you know you’re on a WiFi plane? During the installation phase, Southwest plans to roll out Customer notification and advance-purchase options. In the short term, we will be sending e-mails to Customers scheduled to be on a WiFi plane 24 hours before departure. Once onboard, Customers will be met by their new WiFi signs announcing they are onboard a “Southwest Airlines WiFi Hotspot.” And, of course, their wonderful airport Employees and Flight Attendants will be helping them spread the word as well!

Once the Flight Attendants announce it is safe to turn on electronic devices, you simply have to boot up, select “Southwest WiFi” and launch your Internet browser. You will then have access to limited free content including a flight tracker, games, shopping, and all that southwest.com has to offer via the “Southwest Airlines WiFi Hotspot” portal. You can then choose to spend your time exploring the free portal or pay the low introductory $5 to check e-mail, visit Facebook, watch YouTube … the opportunities are endless! (Please note: VoIP–Voice Over Internet Protocol–is blocked).