American Airlines to Launch Free Wi-Fi for AAdvantage Members in 2026

American Airlines is set to provide free high-speed internet access on 90% of its fleet beginning January 2026. The initiative aims to improve the in-flight experience for AAdvantage loyalty members through a partnership with AT&T.

American Airlines has announced that starting January 2026, it will provide complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi on most of its flights for members of the AAdvantage loyalty program. The airline's initiative is designed to keep its passengers connected without additional costs while flying, making it one of the final domestic carriers to implement such a service.

The partnership with AT&T will enable American Airlines to provide Wi-Fi access on approximately 90% of its fleet, claiming to offer this service on "more planes than any other domestic carrier," according to Heather Garboden, the airline's chief customer officer. The connectivity will be powered by satellite service providers Viasat and Intelsat.

To take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, passengers will need to be enrolled in the AAdvantage loyalty program, which allows travelers to earn points for subsequent journeys with American Airlines. Currently, Wi-Fi access is available on most routes for a fee starting at $9.

American Airlines is on track to equip over 500 regional aircraft with high-speed internet by the end of this year. Other airlines have already embraced this trend; Delta Air Lines launched free Wi-Fi for most domestic flights during 2023, while United Airlines and JetBlue have also introduced free internet options in recent years.

The move represents a significant shift in the airline industry, emphasizing the importance of connectivity for travelers who wish to stream content, stay updated on news, or stay connected with friends during flights.