Southwest Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has announced a new partnership delivering free unlimited WiFi for all Rapid Rewards members, beginning on 24 October 2025. This marks the first-ever collaboration between Southwest and T-Mobile, bringing together two brands dedicated to putting customers first and keeping them connected on all Southwest flights – at no extra cost.
With more than 800 aircraft, Southwest will be the largest domestic airline to implement free WiFi on every flight this year. All Southwest Rapid Rewards customers, regardless of their wireless provider, will be able to access free WiFi for the duration of their flight.
“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,” said Tony Roach Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer, Southwest Airlines. “We’re pleased to partner with T-Mobile to bring free WiFi to all Rapid Rewards members. This is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience, with free WiFi being just one of the many enhancements customers will see in the months ahead.”
Southwest is focused on a seamless inflight WiFi experience. Recently, Southwest tested free fleetwide WiFi for Rapid Rewards members and the results showed a strong customer satisfaction score from those who used free WiFi. Southwest is continuing to invest in the product to offer a reliable and well-performing experience.
“We’re teaming up with Southwest to make staying connected in the air easier for millions of travellers,” said Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products, T-Mobile. “We’re excited for Rapid Rewards members to experience free in-flight WiFi from takeoff to landing – no strings, no surprises. It’s just one more way we’re helping make travel a little smoother.”
FTE Global relocates to Dallas for 20th anniversary in 2026 with DFW, Southwest, and Dallas Love Field as Headline Partners
Future Travel Experience (FTE) has announced that its flagship event, FTE Global, will relocate to Dallas, Texas, in September 2026 for a landmark edition marking the event’s 20th anniversary. The milestone gathering, taking place on 8-10 September 2026, will be delivered in partnership with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Southwest Airlines, and Dallas Love Field Airport as official Headline Partners. Widely regarded as the “CES of Aviation”, FTE Global is the industry’s definitive innovation event, bringing together airlines, airports, government agencies, and industry partners from across the world. The 2026 edition in Dallas will be the biggest and boldest in the event’s history, welcoming more than 2,000 senior attendees for three days of future-focused conferences, a comprehensive exhibition packed with exclusive demos and announcements, and unrivalled networking opportunities. Read our full announcement here.
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2026 – 8-10 September 2026, Dallas, Texas >>
