American Airlines is updating the way passengers connect to its in-flight Wi-Fi service, including new payment methods. The carrier offers access through its AAdvantage loyalty program and ad-supported model across most of its major lines.
However, in both cases, passengers will not have access to free Wi-Fi on board the entire flight. The decision to continue with a paid approach to in-flight internet is unlikely to change anytime soon.
AAdvantage gets into the Wi-Fi game
Over the next few weeks, American Airlines will roll out the ability to pay for in-flight internet using points from its AAdvantage program. This option is expected to be available on all Viasat-powered narrowbody aircraft by the start of peak summer travel. The company is touting this enhancement as part of its “commitment to making travel better as an AAdvantage® member.” At least in this case, unlike the announcement of program changes in January, this change does not appear to have a negative impact on users other than his AAdvantage members.
Free Wi-Fi option on American Airlines flights
American Airlines also plans to formally introduce a long-standing program that grants access to Viasat-equipped single-aisle planes by watching an ad rather than paying for the service.
Customers looking for free Wi-Fi options can enjoy ad-supported Wi-Fi on 100% of American Airlines’ Viasat domestic narrowbody aircraft.
Although not mentioned in the announcement, ad-supported access will still be a timed session. For people who just need to send a quick message or check in on something, it’s better than paying an access fee. But not by much.
Bucking the loyalty trend
Linking onboard access to loyalty is not a new concept. Many airlines have offered points payment options in the past. But these days, most announcements about loyalty and in-flight internet access are tied to some kind of free option, rather than just another payment method. Americans clearly see the market differently here.
This move is related to the launch of a new capture portal offered on the board. The airline has an interesting explanation of the change in its release.
New Wi-Fi portal design makes Wi-Fi products more accessible to customers with a user-friendly Wi-Fi purchasing process with fewer clicks and effective direct customer communication through strategic pop-ups further enhance the customer experience. Messaging. The portal also provides a beautiful experience with a sleek design that makes content easy to navigate and highlights American Airlines’ Wi-Fi, entertainment and partner offers on one page.
Most travelers don’t believe that “strategic pop-up messaging” improves the passenger experience, but you have to admire American Airlines for pushing the idea.
With the rollout of Intelsat’s new regional jet satellite connectivity, scheduled to begin later this year, the new portal should help provide a consistent experience for passengers. However, the airline has not mentioned aircraft equipped with Intelsat 2Ku or Panasonic avionics as part of its plans for Portal, so a truly consistent experience may not be here for some time yet.
Other recent programs that tie loyalty to (free) in-flight WiFi service:
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