Featured Image Credit: Boarding1Now / Getty
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.
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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.
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.
"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.
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."
