Particle.news
Download on the App Store

American Airlines Begins Phased Rollout of Free In-Flight Wi‑Fi for AAdvantage Members

The AT&T‑sponsored offer ties connectivity to AAdvantage membership to drive loyalty growth.

Overview

  • The rollout starts Jan. 6 on narrowbody and dual‑class regional jets, with free access targeted on 100% of those aircraft by the end of the month.
  • American projects availability on nearly every flight by early spring, including newly delivered 787‑8 and 787‑9 aircraft equipped with Viasat.
  • Access requires signing in to the onboard portal with a free AAdvantage account, and travelers can enroll in flight and connect immediately.
  • The service is powered by Viasat and Intelsat/SES systems, and the airline says roughly 900 mainline jets already have high‑speed satellite Wi‑Fi installed.
  • Many Panasonic‑equipped widebodies, notably 777s, will keep paid Wi‑Fi until upgraded, as competitors expand free access using different technologies such as Starlink.