Free WiFi on plane. Photo: Shutterstock American Airlines is finally offering something travelers have been asking for for years. Starting this month, the airline is rolling out free, high-speed Wi-Fi across most of its network, giving AAdvantage members complimentary satellite-based internet on more than two million flights a year. The service is sponsored by AT&T and, once fully in place, will cover more aircraft than any other airline worldwide.
The move marks a big shift for inflight connectivity, especially for an airline with a network as large and complex as American’s. According to the company, this is not about adding a nice extra, but about meeting expectations that have changed over time.
American Airlines aircraft. Photo: American Airlines“As American celebrates 100 years of delivering industry firsts, including the first loyalty program and first airport lounge, we’re setting the standard for connectivity in the skies,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer.
“Free high-speed Wi-Fi isn’t just a perk, it’s essential for today’s travelers. That’s why we’re proud to begin rolling out this new offering, sponsored by AT&T, across the majority of our fleet. Once roll out is completed, every AAdvantage member can stay connected, stream and share almost anywhere their journey takes them for free.”
Given the scale of the new development, the company has announced it will introduce free Wi-Fi in stages. From January, the service will be activated across all narrowbody aircraft and dual-class regional jets. By early spring, the airline expects free Wi-Fi to be available on nearly every flight it operates, including newer Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft.
To acess the service, passengers must simply log in through the aainflight.com portal via their AAdvantage number and password and select the free Wi-Fi option. Non-members can sign up at no cost before their trip or straight from their seat once onboard.
AAdvantage membership perks also extend to priority boarding, earning miles toward status, and redeeming miles for flights, upgrades, and vacation packages.
“At AT&T, connecting changes everything,” said Jenifer Robertson, AT&T’s EVP and GM for Mass Markets. “By sponsoring free inflight Wi-Fi for American Airlines AAdvantage members, we’re making it easier for people to stay productive, entertained and in touch from takeoff to landing. We’re proud to support this experience for AAdvantage members, helping redefine what it means to travel connected, all courtesy of America’s best, fastest and most reliable network.”
American’s investment in connectivity has been building for more than a decade. Today, more than 900 of its mainline aircraft are equipped with satellite Wi-Fi through Viasat or Intelsat, and the airline was the first in the US to offer streaming across its entire mainline fleet.