• News
    • Tech News
    • AI
  • Gadgets
    • Apple
    • iPhone
  • Gaming
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
  • Science
    • News
    • Space
  • Streaming
    • Netflix
  • Vehicles
    • Car News
  • Social Media
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
TikTok
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Submit Your Content
American Airlines to 'finally' offer monumental feature passengers have been waiting years for

Home> Vehicles> Plane news

Published 11:18 16 Apr 2025 GMT+1

American Airlines to 'finally' offer monumental feature passengers have been waiting years for

One certain flyers qualify

Rebekah Jordan

Rebekah Jordan

Good news if you're planning to travel with American Airlines next year.

It’s been a long time coming, but the popular airline is finally giving its passengers what they want.

Last month, the airline was revising its baggage policy following a wave of new European regulations, making travellers rethink their packing strategy.



Advert

Now, starting in January 2026, free Wi-Fi will be available on approximately 90% of American's fleet, including most regional jets - equating to roughly two million flights.

That said, the amenity sponsored by AT&T will currently only be offered to members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program.

“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 favourite subscription services,” said Heather Garboden, chief customer officer at American Airlines. “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.”

The airline plans to install high-speed internet equipment by the end of 2025 to expand availability across its network, American stated. Viasat or Intelsat will provide the onboard internet, depending on the aircraft’s equipment, while AT&T sponsors all the complimentary access. Other airlines are currently using internet providers such as Panasonic, Thales and Starlink.

Advert

At the moment, American has a tier system in place for its Wi-Fi plans. Access costs around $10 on most flights, with multi-use plans starting at $49.95 monthly or $599 annually. Furthermore, T-Mobile customers are offered free in-flight Wi-Fi as part of its selective mobile plans.

Over on Reddit, there are threads dating back a few years full of hopeful flyers wondering when AA would announce the free offering. One post from earlier this year saw one traveller notice the airline trialling out free Wi-Fi for a 'limited time-only offering' - so it seemed it was only a matter of time.

Free Wi-Fi will be offered to members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program. (Kevin Carter/Contributor/Getty)
Free Wi-Fi will be offered to members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program. (Kevin Carter/Contributor/Getty)

"Finally. Though with it being available to all AAdvantage members, I wonder how the bandwidth will hold up," one comment reads on an American Airlines post that's now been removed.

Advert

Another added: "About time. I would say now do IFE next, but I don't have a problem using my ipad."

However, others are already spotting the potential problems: "I have to say, I’m not excited for this. With the amount of clueless/inconsiderate people watching videos on full volume without earbuds and having long FaceTime calls, the one safe place (planes) will now be even less peaceful as you are trying to sleep or read or just look out the window."

Another sceptical user pointed out: "Just because they make it free doesn't mean it will work."

Featured Image Credit: Boarding1Now / Getty
Travel
Plane News

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

15 hours ago
19 hours ago
20 hours ago
21 hours ago
  • 15 hours ago

    What happens when cops pull over driverless car as footage shows Waymo forced to stop by police

    The police stopped a self-driving car for making a wrong turn

    Vehicles
  • 19 hours ago

    Person 'sucked into plane engine' before takeoff dies in airport tragedy

    It is reported that a man forced a door open in the baggage claim area and ran into the path of the aircraft

    Vehicles
  • 20 hours ago

    TSA make major security change at select US airports that is a massive time saver

    This will be the first time in nearly 20 years that travelers won't have to do this

    Vehicles
  • 21 hours ago

    Woman baffled after her crotch gets her stopped at airport security as she takes first flight in 15 years

    An embarrassing situation for everyone involved

    Vehicles
  • American Airlines set to announce major policy change that could see many passengers turned away
  • Apple rumoured to finally be adding AirPod feature users have been waiting years for
  • American Airlines impose new system guaranteed to get rid of 'gate lice'
  • Woman baffled after her crotch gets her stopped at airport security as she takes first flight in 15 years