Goodbye to boring flights: American Airlines will provide free Wi-Fi to some passengers

Soon, frequent flyers with American Airlines will be able to browse the internet, check emails and stream video services - all at no extra cost. American are set to offer high-speed, inflight Wi-Fi on over two million flights from the start of next year.

American currently offers upgraded, high-speed Wi-Fi on select domestic flights with prices starting at $10 with monthly rates for one device from $49.95 or $599 annually.

Will American American Airlines free Wi-Fi be available to everyone?

Starting January 2026, AAdvantage loyalty program members only will have access to free Wi-Fi - non-card holders will still have to pay. The move is a result of the legacy airline’s partnership with telecommunications giant AT&T and as a direct response to a similar offer by competitors United Airlines, who will be introducing complimentary Wi-Fi, provided by Starlink, for its MileagePlus members.

American Airlines chief customer officer Heather Garboden explained: “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“.

Free Wi-Fi will be available to AAdvantage card holders travelling on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, which accounts for around 90 percent of American’s fleet.

The company has already conducted trials, offering complimentary Wi-Fi test on select routes for a limited time to gauge the strength of the service.

Demand for in-flight internet connectivity

“People want to be connected. Everywhere. All the time," said Jenifer Robertson, EVP & GM Mass Markets, AT&T. “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” .

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