Major changes to air travel are here—and loyal passengers just got a surprise
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A simple change is about to make your next flight a whole lot better.
It’s something passengers have been wishing for—and now, one of the biggest airlines is finally delivering.
Here's what to expect and how to make sure you're ready.
Starting January 2026, American Airlines will offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to all passengers who are members of its AAdvantage loyalty program.
The program is free to join, and the perk will apply to more than 2 million flights per year.
This upgrade will make Wi-Fi available on 90% of American’s fleet—more planes than any other US carrier, including competitors like United and Delta.
The airline says this marks a major step forward in enhancing the travel experience for customers.
More like this: Say goodbye to a beloved perk: How Southwest’s shocking policy change will affect your wallet
To make this service possible, American Airlines is partnering with fellow Texas-based company AT&T.
The two brands are working together to install high-speed Wi-Fi on over 500 regional aircraft by the end of 2025.
“This was a natural partnership in every aspect: two iconic Texas-based brands, known for innovation and connection,” said Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines.
While Wi-Fi was offered on American Airlines flights, it wasn’t free. According to the airline’s website, passengers could pay $10 per flight for internet access, or opt for a monthly or annual pass that covered up to two devices.
Monthly plans started at around $50 for a single device and $60 for two, while annual passes were priced at approximately $600 for one device or $700 for two.
More like this: The sneaky flight trick an airline is banning—travelers, take note!
For many in The GrayVine community, free inflight Wi-Fi is more than a nice-to-have—it’s a tool for staying connected to family, keeping up with news, or even knocking out a few emails while in the air.
Even if you're not tech-savvy, this perk opens the door to trying something new.
From video chats with loved ones to virtual tours of future travel destinations, your time in the sky can now be time well spent.
Read next: $59 round-trips? This airline is rolling out four new flights for 2025
Are you excited about free in-flight Wi-Fi? Will this change the way you travel or keep in touch with family while flying? Have tips for staying productive—or entertained—in the air? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s talk about how this tech-friendly update is making travel smarter, simpler, and more connected than ever.
It’s something passengers have been wishing for—and now, one of the biggest airlines is finally delivering.
Here's what to expect and how to make sure you're ready.
Starting January 2026, American Airlines will offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to all passengers who are members of its AAdvantage loyalty program.
The program is free to join, and the perk will apply to more than 2 million flights per year.
American Airlines will offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to all passengers who are members of its AAdvantage loyalty program. Image source: WTHR / YouTube
This upgrade will make Wi-Fi available on 90% of American’s fleet—more planes than any other US carrier, including competitors like United and Delta.
The airline says this marks a major step forward in enhancing the travel experience for customers.
More like this: Say goodbye to a beloved perk: How Southwest’s shocking policy change will affect your wallet
To make this service possible, American Airlines is partnering with fellow Texas-based company AT&T.
The two brands are working together to install high-speed Wi-Fi on over 500 regional aircraft by the end of 2025.
“This was a natural partnership in every aspect: two iconic Texas-based brands, known for innovation and connection,” said Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines.
While Wi-Fi was offered on American Airlines flights, it wasn’t free. According to the airline’s website, passengers could pay $10 per flight for internet access, or opt for a monthly or annual pass that covered up to two devices.
Monthly plans started at around $50 for a single device and $60 for two, while annual passes were priced at approximately $600 for one device or $700 for two.
More like this: The sneaky flight trick an airline is banning—travelers, take note!
For many in The GrayVine community, free inflight Wi-Fi is more than a nice-to-have—it’s a tool for staying connected to family, keeping up with news, or even knocking out a few emails while in the air.
Even if you're not tech-savvy, this perk opens the door to trying something new.
From video chats with loved ones to virtual tours of future travel destinations, your time in the sky can now be time well spent.
Read next: $59 round-trips? This airline is rolling out four new flights for 2025
