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DIRECTV to Provide Live Streaming Channels to Select Southwest Airlines Flights

DIRECTV to Provide Live Streaming Channels to Select Southwest Airlines Flights

Ashley Steves
Ashley Steves is a passionate writer for The Streamable, covering everything from streaming premieres to the latest movie releases and must-see TV shows. With a background in media and communications, Steves has honed her skills in content creation and editing, bringing a unique perspective to her coverage of the entertainment and streaming industries. A cord-cutter since 2012, Steves is an avid fan of the New York Yankees, FC Bayern Munich, and (for good measure) the Buffalo Sabres. She streams with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and her favorite titles include “Blazing Saddles,” “Six Feet Under,” and “Taskmaster.”
Read full bio ›
Ashley Steves
•
Covering everything from premieres to must-see TV, she brings a sharp eye and a love for storytelling to The Streamable. A cord-cutter since 2012, she streams with a Fire TV Stick and never misses a Yankees game.
Covering everything from premieres to must-see TV, she brings a sharp eye and a love for storytelling to The Streamable. A cord-cutter since 2012, she streams with a Fire TV Stick and never misses a Yankees game.

While you might not be able to always guarantee a direct flight to your destination, Southwest Airlines is making it easier to connect to your favorite shows, movies, and sports no matter how far you have to go (and how long you have to be onboard). The airline announced this week that it will now provide customers the ability to watch free live TV during select flights thanks to a partnership with DIRECTV.

Aircraft equipped with Viasat inflight Wi-Fi and entertainment will provide a selection of 14 in-flight DIRECTV live television channels, including CNN, ESPN, FOX, and more, during its initial launch.

Additionally, DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM customers will have even more viewing options for their inflight entertainment. For $8, customers can purchase inflight internet and unlock all the channels in their subscription, including entertainment, news, and sports channels, on their personal devices through the DIRECTV app. DIRECTV STREAM’s base Entertainment package costs $74.99 per month, but comes with a five-day free trial. So, if you have a particularly grueling travel schedule on Southwest coming up, if you time it right, you could have hours of entertainment at your fingertips for as little as $8.

DIRECTV STREAM carries the most top cable channels of any live TV streaming service and offers packages that offer up to 140 channels, including the top premium channels and regional sports networks (RSNs). So, whether you’re a frequent flyer, or you’d rather watch your shows, sports, and news with your feet planted firmly on solid ground, DIRECTV’s streamer has multiple tiers to get you tuned in and entertained. You can also access premium streaming services like Max, Showtime, and STARZ for free during your first three months with the service.

Southwest is not the only airline to partner up with a streamer recently. In January, Delta announced that its loyalty club members would have free access to Paramount+’s ad-free Premium tier while in the air. That way, SkyMiles members could stream series from “1923” to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” as well as blockbuster movies including “Top Gun: Maverick.

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

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$59.99+ / month
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Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

Ashley Steves
Ashley Steves is a passionate writer for The Streamable, covering everything from streaming premieres to the latest movie releases and must-see TV shows. With a background in media and communications, Steves has honed her skills in content creation and editing, bringing a unique perspective to her coverage of the entertainment and streaming industries. A cord-cutter since 2012, Steves is an avid fan of the New York Yankees, FC Bayern Munich, and (for good measure) the Buffalo Sabres. She streams with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and her favorite titles include “Blazing Saddles,” “Six Feet Under,” and “Taskmaster.”
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.