American Airlines Finally Joins Free Wi-Fi Race—Here’s When and Who Gets It
A major perk for loyalty members—and a high-altitude challenge to its rivals
Boeing 787-9 Flagship Suite / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
After years of lagging behind competitors like Delta and JetBlue, American Airlines is finally stepping into the fast lane of onboard connectivity. Beginning in January 2026, the carrier will offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi on more than 2 million flights per year, exclusively for members of its AAdvantage loyalty program.
The service, sponsored by AT&T and powered by Viasat and Intelsat, will cover approximately 90 percent of American’s mainline fleet, which the airline states will be on more planes than any other domestic airline in the U.S.
Connectivity at No Cost—But Only for Loyalty Members
For travelers willing to sign up for the free AAdvantage program, this change means saving the $10–$35 currently charged per flight for internet access. Heather Garboden, American’s new Chief Customer Officer, said the move reflects the airline’s renewed focus on elevating the customer experience—especially for its most loyal flyers.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
“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 Garboden. “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.”
American conducted a limited-time test of free Wi-Fi earlier this year on select routes, including between Charlotte and Raleigh, and says the service surpassed performance expectations.
By the end of 2025, more than 500 regional aircraft will be outfitted with the necessary satellite technology to support the launch.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
“People want to be connected. Everywhere. All the time,” said Jenifer Robertson, EVP & GM of Mass Markets at 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.”
“We are proud to partner with American Airlines to connect people to what matters most to them — even in the sky.”
Catching Up with the Competition
With this move, American finally joins other major U.S. carriers in offering complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. However, its implementation still lags behind the competition.
Delta Air Lines has provided free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members on most domestic flights since 2023. JetBlue continues to offer all passengers free, unlimited Wi-Fi through its Fly-Fi system. United Airlines plans to roll out free Wi-Fi with Starlink in 2025, but currently charges passengers $8 to $10 per flight.
American Airlines AAdvantage / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
American Airlines was a pioneer in satellite Wi-Fi, embracing this technology early on. However, over the past few years, the airline has struggled to keep pace with both its domestic and international competitors, who have advanced their connectivity offerings. In light of this, executives are hopeful that the recent and substantial changes will help close this widening connectivity gap.
Once these enhancements are fully implemented, American’s Wi-Fi service will stand out for its large scale, providing complimentary connectivity to more than 2 million flights across its extensive network, allowing passengers to stay connected while traveling on the airline’s massive network.
The announcement comes just weeks after Garboden’s appointment as Chief Customer Officer, part of American’s broader effort to sharpen its focus on traveler experience. From booking and boarding to digital services in the air, connectivity is increasingly part of what defines a modern airline.
“This was a natural partnership in every aspect: two iconic Texas-based brands, known for innovation and connection,” said Garboden.
The AAdvantage program, already known for its flexibility and wide redemption options, now has a valuable new benefit. Whether you’re sending emails, streaming content, or keeping in touch with colleagues during your flight, American aims to ensure you can do it all—without paying extra. Starting in 2026, that connection will finally become standard.
