Overview
- Free Wi‑Fi is now live on many narrowbody and dual‑class regional aircraft, with 100% of those types targeted by the end of January.
- Access requires logging into the inflight portal with an AAdvantage account, which travelers can join onboard at no cost to select the “Free Wi‑Fi” option.
- American projects complimentary service on about 90% of its fleet by early spring, covering more than two million flights a year and, it says, more aircraft than any other carrier.
- New Boeing 787‑8 and 787‑9 jets equipped with Viasat are included early, while many 777s with Panasonic systems will continue to offer paid internet until upgrades or changes occur.
- Connectivity is provided via Viasat and Intelsat/SES GEO or multi‑orbit satellites, a different approach from LEO Starlink used by some rivals, with recent tests showing higher median speeds on certain Starlink deployments.