American Airlines to offer free Wi-Fi to rewards program members: When it begins
The free service will be available on roughly 90% of the airplanes in American’s fleet.
WASHINGTON — American Airlines will begin offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to customers who sign up for its rewards program, joining the growing number of airlines allowing fliers complimentary internet service to stay connected while in the air.
The free Wi-Fi service is being offered to members of American’s AAdvantage Rewards program through a partnership with AT&T. The loyalty program is free to join.
Customers will be able to connect starting in January 2026, American said in an announcement Tuesday.
“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 Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer, in a statement. “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 free service will be available on roughly 90% of the airplanes in American’s fleet. As the company begins outfitting its aircraft with the necessary equipment, some routes will begin offering the complimentary wi-fi service in 2025.
Currently, American charges $10 per flight to get online, but offers internet subscription plans for frequent fliers on both monthly and annual payment plans.
American is the latest major carrier to offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Last year, United Airlines announced it had struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink Wi-Fi service on flights starting sometime in 2025.
Delta, the third major airline in the U.S. alongside United and American, already offers free internet service to its customers. Delta’s free wi-fi service requires signing up for its rewards program, similar to the model American Airlines plans to use.
