Major airline is introducing free and 'essential' in-flight Wi-Fi for millions of travelers

Travel

Major airline is introducing free and 'essential' in-flight Wi-Fi for millions of travelers

American Airlines is rolling out free, high-speed Wi-Fi for loyalty members on most flights

Kelly McGreal Fox News

Published

January 9, 2026 2:48pm EST

Video

Brainstorming Ideas To Improve The Airport Experience

During a segment on "Fox News Saturday Night", Ryan Reiss, Madison Alworth and Jenny Failla discuss Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's newly announced initiatives to make flying a more enjoyable experience for Americans.

NEW

You can now listen to Fox News articles!

American Airlines travelers will soon be able to browse, stream and work online for free on most flights.

Beginning this month, AAdvantage members can access free satellite-based Wi-Fi on more than 2 million American Airlines flights this year, the airline announced.

The Wi-Fi service is sponsored by telecommunications company AT&T.

MAJOR AIRLINE EXPANDS PASSENGER TEST THAT HOLDS FLIGHTS TO HELP PREVENT MISSED CONNECTIONS

The rollout will happen in phases, starting with its narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets, the company said.

By the spring, the airline expects free high-speed Wi-Fi to be available on nearly every flight.

American Airlines passenger jet flying through a partly cloudy blue sky.

The service is being rolled out in partnership with AT&T. (iStock)

The airline said the move reflects years of investment into connectivity on flights as demand from travelers continues to grow.

"Free high-speed Wi-Fi isn’t just a perk — it’s essential for today’s travelers," said Heather Garboden, American Airlines’ chief customer officer in a statement.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

AT&T said the sponsorship is focused on improving the in-flight experience for customers.

"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," AT&T said.

Passenger wearing headphones and using a smartphone while seated in an airplane cabin.

The airline plans to expand free high-speed Wi-Fi to nearly all flights by the spring. (iStock)

To access the free Wi-Fi, passengers must be AAdvantage members.

The airline’s loyalty program is free to join.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Several airlines have expanded free or low-cost Wi-Fi offerings in recent years, particularly for loyalty members, as competition grows to keep passengers connected in the air.

Man using a laptop while seated in an airplane cabin during a flight.

The free Wi-Fi is available to AAdvantage members, and enrollment in the loyalty program is free. (iStock)

United Airlines offers Wi-Fi on most flights, with standard access costing $8 for MileagePlus members and $10 for other passengers on many domestic routes, according to the airline’s website.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Delta offers free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members on most flights, presented by T-Mobile — though coverage may vary, the airline's website says.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Fox News Digital reached out to American Airlines for further comment.

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.

Major airline is introducing free and 'essential' in-flight Wi-Fi for millions of travelers