In April 2025, American Airlines unveiled an exhilarating update regarding inflight Wi-Fi, in partnership with AT&T. Beginning January 2026, complimentary Wi-Fi will be accessible for AAdvantage members on planes outfitted with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connections, covering approximately 90% of the fleet. This move positions American to deliver free inflight connectivity on a larger number of aircraft than any other domestic airline, though most wide-body jets will be excluded due to satellite availability constraints, akin to the hurdles faced by Delta.
Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, highlighted the significance of connectivity for travelers, underlining the airline’s dedication to providing high-speed Wi-Fi at no charge for its loyal patrons. Notably, American has already started trials for this service as of December 10, 2025, with select flights offering complimentary Wi-Fi without advance notice, informing passengers only after boarding.
This advancement signifies a major transformation for American, which had been trailing in inflight connectivity compared to its rivals. In the past, American was a frontrunner among the “big three” U.S. airlines in Wi-Fi quality, but Delta and United have now overtaken it. Delta provides free Wi-Fi, while United intends to implement Starlink, compelling American to adapt.
American’s Wi-Fi charges have varied, at times exceeding $20 per segment, in comparison to the $8 fee set by Alaska, Southwest, and United. The airline had also fallen behind in providing complimentary inflight messaging, a service that even United offers despite its inferior connectivity.
The shift in American’s strategy follows CEO Robert Isom’s initial declaration of no plans for free Wi-Fi. However, with Delta and United boosting their services, American acknowledged the necessity to compete in terms of passenger experience. While significant product revamps may be improbable, American seeks to enhance aspects that are critical, such as inflight connectivity.
The rollout of free Wi-Fi is a favorable advancement, aligning American with industry trends and improving the passenger experience. As testing progresses, AAdvantage members can anticipate free Wi-Fi on most narrow-body aircraft, potentially saving frequent flyers considerable expenses.