American Airlines to Offer Free Inflight Wi-Fi Starting January 2026

The change will make American Airlines the domestic carrier with the most planes offering free inflight connectivity.

An American Airlines passenger plane is parked at a gate at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Philadelphia on Dec. 13, 2024. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

American Airlines announced on April 15 that it will provide complimentary inflight Wi-Fi to passengers beginning in January 2026. The service will be available exclusively to members of the airline’s AAdvantage loyalty program and is sponsored by AT&T, according to a press release from the airline.

The change will make American Airlines the domestic carrier with the most planes offering free inflight connectivity.

“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,” said Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines.

The complimentary Wi-Fi service will be powered by Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite technology and will be available for about 90 percent of American’s fleet. The airline has been working to equip its planes with advanced connectivity systems and is on track to install high-speed Wi-Fi on more than 500 regional planes by the end of 2025, according to the press release.

To prepare for the rollout, American conducted a test of the complimentary Wi-Fi service on select routes, which the airline said exceeded expectations.

Garboden called the collaboration with AT&T a “natural partnership in every aspect: two iconic Texas-based brands, known for innovation and connection.”

Jenifer Robertson, executive vice president and general manager of mass markets at AT&T, said, “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.”

The introduction of free inflight Wi-Fi is part of a broader effort by American Airlines to improve customer experience under Garboden, from booking and boarding to inflight services like digital connectivity, according to the press release.

American Airlines operates thousands of flights daily to over 350 destinations across more than 60 countries.

The announcement comes as other airlines also work to enhance inflight connectivity for passengers. United Airlines recently revealed plans to equip its regional fleet with Starlink satellite internet technology by the end of 2025. The rollout includes free Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members and promises speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), according to a March 31 press release from United Airlines.

“We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United,” said Grant Milstead, United’s vice president of digital technology. “We’re working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people.”

From NTD News