American has no current plans to offer free or cheaper Wi-Fi, executive suggests
If you're hoping American Airlines might follow its competitors in offering free — or at least cheaper — inflight Wi-Fi service, you might not want to hold your breath.
During a media briefing held Tuesday at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 in Hamburg, Germany, a top customer experience official for the Fort Worth-based carrier seemed to suggest American is unlikely to slash Wi-Fi prices — at least in the near future.
Considering that rival Delta Air Lines made headlines last year when it began rolling out free Wi-Fi to much of its fleet, requiring only a SkyMiles loyalty program sign-up, questions around the airline's Wi-Fi pricing are more than valid.
JetBlue has also offered free Wi-Fi for years. In recent years, United Airlines simplified its Wi-Fi pricing. On domestic and short-haul international flights, it offers the inflight service for a flat $8-per-flight rate for MileagePlus members. Southwest Airlines also charges $8 per device.
But American's pricing has remained far higher. Rates fluctuate from one flight to the next; in 2024 I've paid anywhere from $12 on a short-hop East Coast flight to between $19 and $25 on other domestic flights ... and $35 for a transatlantic flight.
Elite tiers: Chasing American Airlines elite status? Here are 15 ways to earn Loyalty Points
When asked this week whether the carrier might drop its Wi-Fi pricing — or make it free, like Delta and JetBlue — here's what Kimberly Cisek, American Airlines' vice president of customer experience, said: "American Airlines does offer and operate the most high-speed Wi-Fi aircraft in the world, actually. And so, as we continue to invest in this space for our customers, we are providing our customers not only with Wi-Fi ... but also with free entertainment options, both from podcasts to videos, to movies — over 1,500 selections for our customers to choose from."
Cisek also made note of American's recent changes to its AAdvantage program, which included allowing customers the option to pay for inflight internet purchases using miles on certain aircraft— though before you agree to that option, be sure to consult TPG's Awards vs. Cash Calculator to ensure you're not throwing away hard-earned miles.
Pressed for an answer, though, on whether free Wi-Fi might coming, Cisek said: "More to come. Right now we just launched our miles as a form of payment."
It is worth noting (and to Cisek's point) that American's Wi-Fi service has certainly gotten more reliable in recent years. I've had solid service on a strong majority of the 32 flights I've taken with the carrier so far in 2024.
That's thanks in large part to investments in technology upgrades the carrier has made — and those investments are expensive, to be sure.
Still, with decreasing Wi-Fi pricing being a clear trend in the U.S. airline industry these days, it's worth watching how American handles this in the future. For now, though? Stay tuned, it seems.
Related reading:
- Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
- Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
- American Airlines elite status: What it is and how to earn it
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.