American Airlines frequent flyers rejoice! Free Wi-FI is finally here. The Fort Worth based carrier has officially launched the service, sponsored by AT&T, as of January 6, 2026. However, not all planes are equipped just yet.
American Rolls Out Free Wi-Fi on All Narrowbody and Two Cabin Regional Jets
Beginning today, 100% of American’s narrowbody mainline fleet and all dual-class regional jets are equipped with free Wi-Fi. Members of the carrier’s AAdvantage loyalty program can use the free service, which is sponsored by AT&T. Non-members will still have to pay for Wi-FI onboard. Clearly this is meant to encourage sign-ups for AAdvantage, which is free.
According to the carrier, it will operate more than 2 million flights equipped with fast, free, satellite based Wi-Fi this year. Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, said this about the launch of free Wi-Fi onboard:
“As American celebrates 100 years of delivering industry firsts, including the first loyalty program and first airport lounge, we’re setting the standard for connectivity in the skies. Free high-speed Wi-Fi isn’t just a perk — it’s essential for today’s travelers. That’s why we’re proud to begin rolling out this new offering, sponsored by AT&T, across the majority of our fleet. Once roll out is completed, every AAdvantage member can stay connected, stream and share almost anywhere their journey takes them for free.”
In addition to the narrowbody and two cabin regional jets, some newly delivered American Airlines Boeing 787s are also equipped with free Wi-Fi as of today.
American hasn’t provided specifics regarding the official timeline for equipping its remaining aircraft with free Wi-Fi. In the press release the carrier mentions that “almost all” flights will be offering free Wi-Fi to AAdvantage members as of early Spring 2026.
My Thoughts
This is a great development, and one that is long overdue. American has lagged behind its competitors as Delta has offered free Wi-FI onboard the majority of its flights for some time, thanks to the installation of Viasat Wi-Fi. United is currently deploying free Starlink Wi-Fi on its planes, though the full rollout will take some time. Even Southwest began offering free Wi-Fi to its Rapid Rewards members.
Historically American didn’t even offer free inflight messaging, aside from its partnership with T-Mobile, which was something Delta and United both offered prior to their free Wi-Fi rollouts. However, American has made a push to become more premium over the past year and the introduction of the new Boeing 787P and new interiors onboard its aircraft is evidence of this.
While I don’t think they will start installing seatback IFE on its narrowbody jets anytime soon, the addition of free Wi-Fi should greatly improve the passenger experience.
Summary
As of January 6, 2026, American Airlines is introducing free Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members traveling on its narrowbody and two cabin regional jets. By early Spring 2026, American expects to have “almost all” of its planes equipped with the offering.
