summary
- American Airlines will soon allow passengers to use miles for WiFi, adding an option for free, advertised WiFi on domestic flights.
- The company also continues to enhance its in-flight entertainment with streaming options, including content updates and wellness programs for passengers.
- In response to industry trends, airlines are increasingly offering free WiFi to stay competitive and attract connected travelers.
American Airlines is making a few tweaks to its policies regarding how passengers can access WiFi onboard. In the coming weeks, passengers will also be able to use Miles to pay for the service or choose free accessibility with advertising.
New WiFi options
If you’re booking domestic travel on American Airlines in the coming weeks or months, you may be able to use your AAdvantage® miles to access inflight WiFi. The company announced that it will begin rolling out the new feature on select aircraft in the coming weeks and plans to have it on all of its Viasat-powered narrowbody aircraft by the summer season.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
However, there are also services for passengers looking for free WiFi options. American Airlines will make ad-supported Wi-Fi available on 100% of American’s Viasat domestic narrowbody aircraft. The company is also promising extended gate-to-gate connectivity on its mainline aircraft, from the moment a passenger finds a seat until they deplane at their destination.
American Airlines says these inflight internet connectivity upgrades will be powered by a new design of its WiFi portal that provides a more user-friendly purchasing process. “Reduced clicks and more effective direct customer communication with strategic pop-up messaging.”
But what if you’re traveling on an airline’s regional aircraft? This summer, American and Intelsat will begin the process of installing high-speed WiFi on nearly 500 dual-class regional aircraft to help customers stay connected across all routes. Start.

American Airlines brings high-speed Wi-Fi to 500 regional aircraft
The company already offers in-flight WiFi on more than 1,000 major aircraft.
In-flight entertainment options
American Airlines offers streaming capabilities throughout its mainline fleet, giving travelers access to one of 1,500 free pieces of in-flight entertainment that are updated regularly. The company updates approximately 200 titles each month inspired by current entertainment trends, including award-winning movies and other specially selected content.
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
For young children, the airline also offers baby sensory videos through a new exclusive partnership with Hey Bear Sensory, and passengers looking for wellness options can watch meditation, affirmations and sit-down videos through a partnership with American Airlines. Find custom content like stretching, self-care, and other wellness categories. Fit on.
Inflight WiFi: How does it work?
In-flight WiFi operates through a mix of air-to-ground and satellite systems.
Improved connectivity
WiFi access was a novelty a few years ago, but it is quickly becoming mainstream with all carriers around the world. Airlines understand the need for passengers to stay connected while flying, and are even using this to promote in-flight services to attract more travelers.
Many airlines now offer free WiFi on board, and this is becoming one of the key factors when customers choose which airline to travel with. Singapore Airlines started offering unlimited free WiFi in all travel classes last year, and Etihad Airways and Emirates offer free WiFi to members of their respective loyalty programs.
Photo: Viper Zero | Shutterstock
JetBlue offers unlimited high-speed WiFi to all travelers, and Delta Airlines has also started offering free WiFi to all SkyMiles members. As airline industry services evolve, airlines must include free in-flight connectivity options to remain competitive.
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