Southwest Airlines will make free Wi-Fi available to Rapid Rewards loyalty program members on all of its flights beginning Oct. 24.

T-Mobile will provide the connection, and according to a press release from the companies, internet service will be available "from takeoff to landing" on more than 800 Southwest aircraft by late next month.

"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," Tony Roach, Southwest Airlines' executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer, said in a statement. "This is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience, with free Wi-Fi being just one of the many enhancements customers will see in the months ahead."

To take advantage of the free connectivity, passengers will need to have a Rapid Rewards account.

"We’re excited for Rapid Rewards members to experience free in-flight Wi-Fi from takeoff to landing – no strings, no surprises. It’s just one more way we’re helping make travel a little smoother," Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products at T-Mobile, said in a statement.

The Wi-Fi perk comes as Southwest prepares to unbundle its fares in other ways further. Early next year, the airline will introduce assigned seating for the first time in its history, and it has already implemented checked bag fees and more restrictive ticket categories.

JetBlue Airways also announced on Thursday, Sept. 4 that it will begin a partnership for higher-speed onboard internet with Amazon's Project Kuiper. The airline expects its first aircraft equipped with next-generation internet equipment to enter service in 2027.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Free Wi-Fi is coming to all Southwest flights. Here's how to get it

Reporting by Zach Wichter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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