It seems that American Airlines is following its competitors, and will offer a free in-flight Wi-Fi offering, sponsored by AT&T.
Beginning in January 2026, American will offer complimentary Wi-Fi on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, accounting for roughly 90% of its fleet.
To prepare for the launch, American conducted a limited-time complimentary Wi-Fi test on select routes, allowing the airline to gauge the strength of its service, which surpassed performance expectations.
American Airlines is also on pace to outfit more than 500 regional aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2025, in time for next year’s complimentary Wi-Fi service.
Complimentary inflight Wi-Fi will be available exclusively to members of the AAdvantage loyalty program – so you’ll need to sign up before you fly if you want free Wi-Fi.
In Quotes
Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer, at American Airlines said
“Our customers greatly value staying connected while in the air, whether communicating with friends, getting work done, checking in on social media or streaming their favorite subscription services,”
“We’ve been working diligently to outfit our aircraft with best-in-class high-speed Wi-Fi and together with AT&T are proud to offer those services at no cost to our most loyal customers.”
Jenifer Robertson, EVP & GM Mass Markets, AT&T.
“People want to be connected. Everywhere. All the time. Whether it’s staying in touch with those who matter most, following a favorite sports team or catching up on that show everyone is talking about, connectivity brings people a world of possibilities. By advancing connectivity, everything becomes more immediate and accessible anywhere they go,” said
“We are proud to partner with American Airlines to connect people to what matters most to them — even in the sky.”
Late to the party
With American Airlines deciding it will offer free in-flight Wi-Fi, it follows both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in offering free internet connectivity in the sky (as well as Jetblue and Hawaiian Airlines).
There is a downside, however.
With Intelsat and Viasat being connected to the free connectivity, there’s no comment if Panasonic connectivity (which is used on the majority of the airline wide-body fleet, save for a few with Viasat kit installed) will be offered.
Whilst domestic passengers should be good with free connectivity, those flying longer legs will have to deal with American Airlines’ uncompetitive long-haul pricing on the long-haul (or high-capacity routes).
We’ll have to see how this shakes down over the year ahead.
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