American Joins the Free Wi-Fi Race

All three major U.S. airlines will offer free inflight connectivity by early next year.

An American A321 in Charlotte. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ News ]April 15, 2025 8:44 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

American is the latest U.S. airline with plans to offer free Wi-Fi onboard its flights, joining Delta and United. Sponsored by AT&T, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline says connectivity will be available on around 90% of its fleet.

This new service will roll out in January 2026. The carrier’s AAdvantage members will be able to access free Wi-Fi on over two million flights per year.

“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 favorite subscription services,” said Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, in a news release. “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.”

Aircraft with Viasat and Intelsat Wi=Fi providers will feature the complimentary service. American’s widebody Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft feature Panasonic Wi-Fi, which is generally slower than its other providers.

In addition, the airline is working to retrofit its regional jets with high-speed connectivity. By the end of 2025, the carrier expects over 500 regional aircraft to feature this service.

In March, American began testing free Wi-Fi on select flights “to gauge the strength of its service, which surpassed performance expectations.”

United is in the process of debuting Elon Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet. The carrier recently received Federal Aviation Administration approval for the new technology, with plans to equip around 40 jets per month with free Wi-Fi service.

Author
Recent Posts

Follow Ryan

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
View all posts