Starting next year, American Airlines, the last of the major carriers, adds free WiFi to most of its fleet. American Airlines and AT&T partnered to connect passengers worldwide with free in-flight WiFi, set to debut as early as January 2026.

Currently, the airline charges for WiFi, from $10 per flight to $599 for an annual pass.

“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, CCO, 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.”

All American Airlines aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity will offer complimentary WiFi, accounting for roughly 90 percent of its fleet. To prepare for its launch, the airline conducted a limited-time complimentary WiFi test on select routes.

American Airlines also plans to outfit more than 500 regional aircraft with high-speed WiFi by the end of this year in time for next year’s complimentary WiFi 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.”

Free WiFi will be available exclusively to members of the AAdvantage loyalty program, free to join.

Last year, United Airlines announced it would introduce free WiFi using SpaceX’s Starlink service starting earlier this year, while Delta Air Lines offered free WiFi back in 2023. The perk was first offered by JetBlue, way back in 2013.

Do you currently pay for WiFi on American Airlines flights? Do you think all airlines should provide free WiFi? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.