American Airlines joins a growing number of airlines to offer fast, free inflight Wi-Fi, using SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed technology on its satellite-enabled aircraft and offering the service for its AAdvantage loyalty program members only.
The US carrier will onboard the AT&T-sponsored complimentary service from January 2026 and expects to offer free Wi-Fi on more than two million flights each year.
With 90 per cent of its fleet equipped with Intelsat and Viasat satellite Wi-Fi systems, American says it will offer free inflight connectivity on more planes than any other US domestic airline.
American currently only offers ad-sponsored Wi-Fi on its narrow-body domestic fleet. It does not provide free Wi-Fi in its international premium cabins or for top-status AAdvantage members flying internationally.
American has also not indicated whether free Wi-Fi will be available to all passengers or pricing options for non-AAdvantage members.
American Airlines Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said: “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 favourite subscription services.”
“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.”
Free Wi-Fi on US airlines: What’s on offer?
Among US airlines, Hawaiian Airlines was the world’s first major carrier to use Starlink Wi-Fi, offering the service free of charge on flights between the islands and the continental US, Asia and Oceania.
United Airlines has also announced plans to onboard free Starlink Wi-Fi throughout its fleet, seeing the carrier become the largest US airline to offer the service when it commences by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines partnered with T-Mobile to roll out free inflight internet across its global fleet from 2024 with Australia to come on board by mid-late 2025.
For more info, head to americanairlines.com.au
