The Wall Street Journal
July 1st, 2013 2:25pm EDT

Southwest Offers Free In-Flight TV in Partnership With Dish Network

Southwest Airlines Co. LUV +1.71% is offering free live television to fliers' smartphones, tablets and laptops under a partnership unveiled Monday with Dish Network Corp.

The move that marks a departure from other airlines' strategies on in-flight entertainment by having a third party—rather than customers—fund the service.

Starting Monday, customers can access 14 live TV channels and up to 75 on-demand TV shows free on their Wi-Fi-enabled devices during flights on 427 of Southwest's planes, more than 60% of its fleet.

The service previously cost $5. Passengers will have to watch a 30-second Dish Network commercial to access the free TV.

A Southwest spokeswoman said the promotion would last through at least the end of the year.