American Airlines Fliers Can Soon Redeem Miles for Wi-Fi Onboard

30.03.2024 - 12:33 / travelandleisure.com / Airlines

American Airlines is the latest carrier to ensure inflight Wi-Fi is available from takeoff to touchdown.

Up until this point, the airline’s high-speed Wi-Fi availability greatly depended on which aircraft you’re flying. Most of American’s narrowbody aircraft, such as its family of Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 jets, are already equipped with Viasat, one of the fastest Wi-Fi providers in the sky. 

Beginning this summer, American will start installing fast Wi-Fi across its fleet of 500 regional jets reserved for some of the carrier’s shortest flights, according to a statement. Once the new Wi-Fi debuts, the airline will debut a new portal that makes it easier than ever to get connected.

While domestic airlines like Delta and JetBlue offer free Wi-Fi for all customers, American charges a dynamic rate depending on the route you’re flying. It’s not uncommon to see the airline charge upwards of $35 for Wi-Fi on a cross-country route from New York to Los Angeles.

Along with the announcement, the airline says it’s debuting a new payment option for Wi-Fi. Over the next few weeks, some passengers will be able to redeem AAdvantage miles to get connected.

“The total cost in miles for the AAdvantage redemption offer is still being determined,” a spokesperson for American Airlines shared with T+L.

American also shared that it would add a new, “free” Wi-Fi option on Viasat-powered aircraft. “Customers can access ad-sponsored Wi-Fi for 20 minutes in their flights by watching a 15 or 30 second ad,” the airline shared.

For frequent fliers, American Airlines also offers monthly Wi-Fi subscription plans ranging from $49.95 for one device to $59.95 for two. The only true way to get free connection aboard an American flight is with a T-Mobile Go5G plan, which provides unlimited inflight Wi-Fi on mobile devices. T-Mobile subscribers also enjoy free Wi-Fi on Alaska, Delta, and United flights.