×

American Airlines to roll out free Wi-Fi for loyalty program members

By Thomson Reuters Jan 6, 2026 | 8:08 AM

Jan 6 (Reuters) – American Airlines said on Tuesday it would launch free ‍in-flight Wi-Fi in partnership with telecom firm AT&T for customers enrolled in the carrier’s loyalty program.

Airlines are increasingly ‌competing on free onboard ‌internet access as they vie for loyalty-driven customers.

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

In 2023, Delta Air ‍Lines became the first major U.S. carrier to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi in partnership with T-Mobile. ‍In 2025, United Airlines partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink for in-flight ‍internet ‍services.

American Airlines said ​the rollout of Wi-Fi ​would ⁠begin in January and ‌be available on nearly all of its flights by early spring.

(Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by ⁠Maju Samuel)