American Airlines plans to deploy free in-flight Wi-Fi on most fleets starting next year.
Carrier partners with AT&T to provide services. This will be available only to members of the loyalty program and will be the latest airline to target perks towards frequent flyers.
Starting in January 2026, American Airlines will only provide free in-flight Wi-Fi to members of the AADVantage Loyalty program that are free to participate.
The airlines say the move will make Wi-Fi available on 90% of the fleet or “more planes than any other domestic airline.”
To support the rollout, Americans are working to equip over 500 regional aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2025.
“It was a natural partnership in all respects. It’s known for its two Texas-based brands: innovation and connection,” American Airlines chief customer officer Heather Garboden said in a statement.
Wi-Fi was available in the US, but it was expensive. According to its website, customers can pay $10 per flight for access to the service. Alternatively, you can get monthly or annual passes on up to two devices.
Monthly passes ranged from about $50 for one device to $60 for two. Annual pass cost around $600 for one device and about $700 for two.
The Delta Line beats Americans to punch and offers free service on T-Mobile in 2023. Free Wi-Fi is now available on most of Delta’s domestic flights for Skymiles members.
United Airlines passengers will be next with free Wi-Fi, which is expected to be launched through Starlink, Elon Musk’s broadband satellite service.
The FAA approved United’s first Starlink equipped aircraft in March. That first commercial flight is scheduled for May, just eight months after attacking a deal with SpaceX subsidiary.
StarLink Access is free and is available to all customers with a MileagePlus membership. You can also sign up for free.
