DISH and Southwest Airlines are extending their partnership and the “TV Flies Free” promotion until the end of 2014. DISH will provide Southwest passengers using iOS, Android and most other Internet-ready devices free access to nearly 20 live TV channels and up to 75 on-demand shows on the airline’s nearly 440 wi-fi-enabled aircraft. Onboard access to live TV, on-demand programming and wi-fi connectivity is delivered by Southwest’s satellite-based inflight entertainment and connectivity partner, Row 44, a subsidiary of Global Eagle Entertainment.
The programme was originally announced in July 2013 when DISH and Southwest surprised passengers aboard a Southwest flight with a giveaway of free iPad 2 devices to celebrate the new partnership. Since that time, DISH has enabled millions of Southwest Customers to watch their favourite shows in-flight at no charge.
“Since the FAA changed its rules regarding personal electronic device usage, mobile video viewing on Southwest Airlines flights has increased more than 20%,” said James Moorhead, DISH’s chief marketing officer.
“This partnership with DISH has been very popular with our customers,” added Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines’ chief marketing officer. “Free is a great thing for customers in this industry and having DISH providing this amenity through 2014 will continue to make our onboard experience even more entertaining this year.”
