Free Wi-Fi on American Airlines will be available to AAdvantage members.

American Airlines is rolling out free high-speed Wi‑Fi for AAdvantage members beginning Jan. 6, starting on narrowbody and dual-class regional jets and aiming to cover most of the fleet by early spring.

American Airlines is beginning a phased rollout of free high-speed Wi‑Fi for enrolled AAdvantage loyalty members. The airline says the program starts on narrowbody aircraft and two-class regional jets and will reach most flights by early spring. The service is sponsored by AT&T and delivered using satellite connectivity from Viasat and Intelsat. The move follows similar loyalty-based offerings already in place at other U.S. carriers. Key details: - Free Wi‑Fi access will require enrollment in the AAdvantage program and is activated through the airline's inflight portal with a member login. - The initial rollout covers 100% of narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets and will expand to nearly all flights by early spring, according to the airline. - AT&T sponsors the program, with Viasat and Intelsat providing satellite connectivity on equipped aircraft. - Some planes will still require paid internet access until their equipment is updated; prior onboard internet options included per-flight fees and multi-use plans, and eligible T-Mobile customers already have some access. - Competing U.S. carriers have varied policies: Delta offers free Wi‑Fi to SkyMiles members, United provides free messaging and portal access with fees for full browsing, and JetBlue offers free Wi‑Fi to all passengers. Summary: The change brings American's loyalty benefit closer to offerings from other major carriers and is being implemented in phases as aircraft are outfitted. The airline plans to complete equipment updates by early spring, and paid access may remain available on flights not yet upgraded.