American Airlines and AT&T — two iconic American brands built on a legacy of connecting customers to the people and places that matter most — will take those connections to new heights, offering complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi across more than 2 million American flights a year, beginning in January 2026. American Airlines Free Inflight Wi-Fi 

With complimentary inflight Wi-Fi available exclusively to members of the AAdvantage^® loyalty program, American will offer free inflight connectivity on more planes than any other domestic carrier sponsored by AT&T.

“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 favorite subscription services,” said Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer, American Airlines. “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.”

Beginning in January 2026, American will offer complimentary Wi-Fi on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, accounting for roughly 90% of its fleet. To prepare for the launch, American conducted a limited-time complimentary Wi-Fi test on select routes, allowing the airline to gauge the strength of its service, which surpassed performance expectations. American is also on pace to outfit more than 500 regional aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2025, in time for next year’s complimentary Wi-Fi service.

“People want to be connected. Everywhere. All the time. Whether it’s staying in touch with those who matter most, following a favorite sports team or catching up on that show everyone is talking about, connectivity brings people a world of possibilities. By advancing connectivity, everything becomes more immediate and accessible anywhere they go,” said Jenifer Robertson, EVP & GM Mass Markets, AT&T. “We are proud to partner with American Airlines to connect people to what matters most to them — even in the sky.”

Less than two months ago, American announced Garboden’s appointment as Chief Customer Officer, emphasizing the airline’s renewed focus on the customer experience and its commitment to enhancing every aspect of the travel journey — from booking and boarding to in-flight experiences, including digital connectivity.

“This was a natural partnership in every aspect: two iconic Texas-based brands, known for innovation and connection,” added Garboden. American has also been a longstanding business customer of AT&T.

Complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi is the latest addition to the highly regarded AAdvantage^® program, which offers more ways to achieve status and redeem miles than any other airline loyalty program.

American Airlines Free Inflight Wi-Fi

The partnership between American Airlines and AT&T represents more than just a new perk for frequent flyers — it signals a broader shift in how connectivity is becoming an essential part of the modern travel experience. As airlines like Delta, JetBlue, and now American integrate complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi into their loyalty ecosystems, we’re witnessing a clear trend: Connectivity is no longer a luxury but a baseline expectation.

This move aligns American Airlines with a growing number of global carriers recognizing that digital access is central to passenger satisfaction and brand loyalty. According to a 2024 Deloitte Travel and Hospitality Industry Outlook, 72% of travelers consider in-flight Wi-Fi a factor in choosing an airline — a number that’s only expected to rise as hybrid work and digital lifestyles become the norm.

By integrating this service into its AAdvantage® program, American isn’t just enhancing customer experience — it’s reinforcing the value of loyalty at a time when consumers increasingly demand tangible, tech-forward benefits. This echoes similar strategies from players like Emirates and Singapore Airlines, who have also made Wi-Fi access a key loyalty differentiator.

Partnering with AT&T, a company with deep expertise in mass-market connectivity and IoT infrastructure, positions American to deliver not just in-flight internet but a more seamless digital travel journey in the years ahead. As aviation increasingly intersects with telecom, this kind of cross-industry collaboration may well become the new blueprint for innovation in travel tech.

About American Airlines Group

As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld^® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.