American Airlines Announces Complimentary In-Flight Wi-Fi Connectivity
American Airlines has announced plans to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi to passengers starting next year. According to a report by Engadget, the service will launch in January 2026 under an AT&T-sponsored program, providing high-speed internet access on over two million flights annually.
However, passengers must be members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program to access the service. Once enrolled, users will simply need to log in to use the onboard internet.
The airline stated that approximately 90% of its fleet is already equipped with high-speed satellite-based Wi-Fi from Viasat and Intelsat. Additionally, American Airlines plans to extend this connectivity to more than 500 regional aircraft by the end of 2025.
Nearly all major U.S. airlines now offer some form of free Wi-Fi service, made possible through satellite connectivity. United Airlines began providing this service earlier this year through Starlink, while Hawaiian Airlines and Delta tested SpaceX’s technology in 2022. Delta later rolled out a Viasat-powered program in 2023, sponsored by T-Mobile, which also required loyalty membership for access.
