Particle.news
Download on the App Store

American Begins Testing Free Wi‑Fi for AAdvantage Members Ahead of January Rollout

AT&T sponsorship signals a loyalty-driven pivot for American via AAdvantage exclusivity.

Overview

  • Testing started on December 10 on select flights, with passengers notified only through onboard announcements.
  • Free access will be available on aircraft with Viasat or Intelsat connectivity, a footprint that covers roughly 90% of the fleet.
  • Panasonic-equipped widebodies on many long-haul routes will retain paid Wi‑Fi at first.
  • The rollout is slated to cover more than two million flights annually across the domestic network beginning in January 2026.
  • The move reverses CEO Robert Isom’s early‑2025 position against free Wi‑Fi as competitors advance complimentary connectivity.