American Airlines is improving its Wi-Fi connectivity for members of its AAdvantage loyalty program, introducing the option to use miles to pay for in-flight Wi-Fi.
The airline said it will roll out the option to redeem miles for inflight Wi-Fi “in the coming weeks on a couple of select aircraft.” It will be available on all of the airline's Viasat-equipped narrowbody aircraft for the summer travel season. Please note that American Airlines does not offer free Wi-Fi access, with fares starting at US$10 depending on the route.
The airline said the Wi-Fi improvements will be driven by a newly designed in-flight portal, which will have a sleeker design with a more “user-friendly” checkout process that promises “fewer clicks” and “strategic pop-up messages.” The portal will also be easier to navigate, according to the operator, and will highlight Wi-Fi, entertainment and partner offers on a single page.
There is already a free, advertising-sponsored Wi-Fi option on American's domestic Viasat narrowbody aircraft, and the airline will also begin installing high-speed Wi-Fi on nearly 500 two-class regional jets this summer.
Earlier this year, American Airlines outlined a number of new and upcoming updates to its AAdvantage loyalty program, including the option to claim additional loyalty points by reaching select loyalty point reward levels. Know more:
American Airlines Unveils AAdvantage Program Updates
Last year, American became the first airline to allow streaming across its entire mainline fleet, noting that it updates approximately 200 titles monthly based on “current entertainment trends, customer feedback and data analysis.” Examples include the 'Award Nominate' channel, which features some of the 2024 winners and nominees from the recent awards circuit.
The carrier also has a partnership with Apple TV+, which offers customers a free two-month subscription to continue watching Apple Originals they started in-flight.
For more information on inflight Wi-Fi on various carriers, check out our feature:
Smart Traveler: a guide to on-board Wi-Fi
