American Airlines is delivering what customers have been asking for: free, high-speed Wi-Fi on more aircraft than any other carrier in the U.S. Beginning this month, AAdvantage members will enjoy free high-speed satellite Wi-Fi on more than 2 million American Airlines flights a year, sponsored by AT&T. The ambitious rollout, announced on January 6, 2026, marks a significant shift in the airline’s digital strategy as it celebrates its centennial year.
Starting in January, free high-speed Wi-Fi will begin rolling out across 100% of American’s narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets. By early spring, it will be available on nearly every American Airlines flight. For passengers who aren’t already enrolled in the AAdvantage program, joining is free and can be done before departure or even mid-flight through the aainflight.com portal.
How American Airlines’ Wi-Fi Rollout Will Transform Your Flight Experience
Accessing complimentary internet is straightforward through the upgraded aainflight.com portal, where AAdvantage members can log in with their membership credentials and select “Free Wi-Fi” to begin browsing. The new portal has been specifically designed for speed, reliability, and simplicity to enhance the passenger experience at 35,000 feet.
American Airlines will also offer free internet on some new, recently delivered, and recently updated Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners. However, not every aircraft will get free Wi-Fi right away. Some of the carrier’s larger widebody planes, including many of its Boeing 777s with Wi-Fi tech from provider Panasonic, will continue to require payment for the service (often $35 for a transatlantic flight between the U.S. and Europe).
AT&T Partnership Creates New Digital Travel Experience
As a long-standing AT&T business customer, American Airlines found a natural opportunity to join forces with the telecommunications provider on this initiative. Both brands share a belief that people should be able to stay connected anywhere, anytime.
“At AT&T, connecting changes everything,” said Jenifer Robertson, AT&T’s EVP and GM for Mass Markets. “By sponsoring free in-flight Wi-Fi for American Airlines AAdvantage members, we’re making it easier for people to stay productive, entertained, and in touch from takeoff to landing. We’re proud to support this experience for AAdvantage® members, helping redefine what it means to travel connected, all courtesy of America’s best, fastest, and most reliable network.”
The partnership leverages AT&T’s network infrastructure to support America’s ambition to redefine connected travel experiences. The complimentary Wi-Fi will be powered by satellite providers Viasat and Intelsat, continuing America’s decade-long investment in creating one of the most expansive in-flight connectivity networks.
