SOUTHWEST AIRLINES WIFI PLUGIN UPGRADE

It’s not like Southwest’s 737-800s, which make up 30% of its fleet, are even that old. On the surface, it doesn’t appear to be a as robust of an amenity as in-seat power offerings at other airlines, most notably, relying on USB ports and forgoing ports with three prong outlets, as well as the decision to only roll it out to newer 737 MAX aircraft as opposed to retrofitting its existing 737 NG fleet. The analysis does raise some questions about how well the implementation of in-seat power will go at Southwest. However, understanding the announcement in the context of where the airline is at in terms of fleet size, fleet mix, system details, and rollout plans is equally important. So each outlet pulling from said power supply will be capped in how much power it can output, leading to increased charging times versus a more traditional system where each row gets its own power box.Īll in all, Southwest’s announcement that in-seat power is finally coming to its fleet is a welcome sight for many Southwest fans. Or in the context of an electrical system, each power supply can only supply so much power.

Only so much water can be fed to each head. And if you have too many heads tied to a single zone, you get pressure drops. Think of it like zones in an automatic lawn sprinkler system – multiple sprinkler heads in each zone share the same water source and pipe. However, despite the space savings for passengers and the cost savings for the airline, there may be disadvantages. There are also cost savings with implementing a zoned system since the wiring is simpler. A zoned system reduces the number of power boxes on the aircraft, feeding larger blocks of seats from a smaller quantity of boxes. The reference to legroom encroachment refers to the power box that is commonly seen beneath each row of seats on a lot of other air carriers. How does a zoned in-seat power system work? The airline will implement a “Zone-based power system” that is space-saving and does not compromise legroom. In the announcement, Southwest touts the technical aspects of its new system. Zoned-power output is shared with dozens of seats

We’ve seen this happen with high-end phones and tablets before, so one can only imagine how slowly a laptop battery will charge (or drain) when plugged into a measly USB port. So even though some smaller, compact laptops are capable of being charged via low voltage USB power ports, the voltage and power output may be so low that your device never recognizes the charge, or draws power faster than the power port can actually supply. Ever notice how its faster to charge your phone with the power adapter versus just plugging it into a USB outlet in the wall, or on a computer or power bank? Most other airlines offer three prong 110 VAC outlets for plugging laptop chargers in.Īside from the plug format, 110 VAC outlets traditionally supply higher levels of power than a USB outlet. This will make charging laptops virtually impossible on Southwest as pretty much every laptop out on the market uses a charger and adapter with a two or three prong plug. However, Southwest’s implementation of in-seat power will only offer power via a USB-A and a USB-C port. Southwest claims that laptops can be charged, which should appeal to business travelers. No easy way to charge a laptop on Southwest 'The ability to keep your devices charged while you are connected inflight is a request that we've heard consistently in ongoing conversations with our Customers,' said Tony Roach, Vice President of Customer Experience and Customer Relations. You read that right – you will soon be able to plug in on a Southwest flight.Īs many Southwest flyers are aware, up until today’s announcement Southwest’s lack of in-seat power has been a point of contention for many. Improvements will enhance both the experience on the ground (with improved digital customer service tools) as well in the air with multiple improvements to Southwest’s onboard no frills product.Īnnounced enhancements to the flight experience include including larger overhead bins, faster Wi-Fi, expanded in-flight entertainment and catering options, and yes (finally), the addition of in-seat power.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES WIFI PLUGIN UPGRADE

Southwest Airlines lovers rejoice! It’s been a long road, but on Thursday, May 11, 2022, Southwest Airlines revealed a five-year, two-billion dollar investment program to upgrade its passenger experience.

Southwest airlines wifi plugin