Jun 4, 2018, 9:33 pm
Last edit by: txpenny
American Airlines In-Flight WiFi
NOTE: Three providers mean some gaps in how one pays for and uses WiFi in the long run, e.g. monthly passes, at least for now. But AA has “fixed” things so you are limited to a single device now (2020), rather than share your connection to different devices even serially, unless you bring a WiFi hotspot and connect that.
Link to AA (unofficial) fleet site with WiFi, etc. listings for each aircraft
Link to AA tool flight status and WiFi (indicates WiFi, not type / provider)
Link to AA chat where you may easily cancel and request WiFi refunds
WiFi types (fee or pass required)
ViaSat Ka band satellite-based WiFi under installation in ~500 AA narrowbody aircraft, and comes “out of the box” on AA 737 MAX 8 aircraft. “Gate to gate” offered.
American adding faster ViaSat WiFi to 500+ Aircraft"]American adding faster ViaSat WiFi to 500+ Aircraft (FT)
Link to ViaSat press announcement
Gogo cellular telephone dependent WiFi (converted to Gogo 2Ku band satellite Wi-Fi for many flights within the continental U.S. and southern Canada). Available above 10,000 ft MSL (Ku at any time). On the wane, as over 400 aircraft will be converted to ViaSat.
Link to credit cards supporting courtesy WiFi Gogo passes
Link to Gogo 2Ku page.
Link AirInsight article on Gogo loss of ~400 AA aircraft to ViaSat
Panasonic ExConnect Ku band aeronautical satellite network -based WiFi on widebody aircraft. Blacked out over China.
International (Panasonic satellite) WiFi: availability, experiences (FT)
The Jan 2020 WiFi lineup after refit is:
Airbus:
• A319: ViaSat or 2Ku
• A320 (Legacy US Airways): Gogo 2Ku
• A321 (Legacy US Airways): ViaSat
• A321 (Legacy AA - A321H, A321S): ViaSat
• 32B Sharklets (A321T): ViaSat
Boeing
• 737-800: ViaSat (all)
• 737 MAX 8: ViaSat (all)
• 787-8: Panasonic (Batch 1)
• 787-8: Viasat (Batch 2, 788T)
• 787-9: Panasonic (all)
• 777-200ER: Panasonic (all)
• 777-300ER: Panasonic (all)
• Embraer E190: ?
Parenthetical notes:
all = all in fleet
no parenthetical note = goal, not current state; Gogo conversion to Gogo 2Ku
under conversion = varies by specific aircraft until conversion complete
(Thanks to ThreeJulietTango)
Wifi Speeds inflight : AA's new service is 10x as fast as Gogo Inflight
Onboard IFE streaming (free IFE to your personal device)
WiFi based onboard server-based streaming in flight entertainment (IFE) is being added to hundreds if aircraft, making AVOD streaming to your personal device the norm (as opposed to seatback flatscreen entertainment options).
Related: Oasis: New seats & less pitch, WiFi IFE & power all 737 and A321 2019-21
Mobile Phone support/features by Provider:
GoGo:
T-Mobile - Wi-Fi calling and texting works (well I never tried the calling but, but it connects as T-Mobile WiFi). iPhone imessage works
Verizon -
AT&T -
Sprint -
Panasonic:
T-Mobile - Wi-Fi calling not available, so no Wi-Fi texting. iPhone iMessage works (only when texting another iPhone user)
Verizon -
AT&T -
Sprint -
Viasat:
T-Mobile - Will register as T-Mobile WiFi. WiFi texting works. Unknown about WiFi calling, but didn't want to chance it.
Verizon -
AT&T -
Sprint -
Link to archived 2018 posts
NOTE: Three providers mean some gaps in how one pays for and uses WiFi in the long run, e.g. monthly passes, at least for now. But AA has “fixed” things so you are limited to a single device now (2020), rather than share your connection to different devices even serially, unless you bring a WiFi hotspot and connect that.
If you fly often, join the Monthly American Airlines Plan for $49.95 a month (plus tax). The pass is valid only on Gogo and Viasat Wi-Fi equipped domestic flights operating between airports within the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where network coverage is available. Wi-Fi services provided by Panasonic, regardless of destination, are not covered under the American Airlines Wi-Fi subscription plan. (aa.com)
You can always access aa.com for free during your flight.
You can always access aa.com for free during your flight.
Link to AA tool flight status and WiFi (indicates WiFi, not type / provider)
Link to AA chat where you may easily cancel and request WiFi refunds
WiFi types (fee or pass required)
ViaSat Ka band satellite-based WiFi under installation in ~500 AA narrowbody aircraft, and comes “out of the box” on AA 737 MAX 8 aircraft. “Gate to gate” offered.
American adding faster ViaSat WiFi to 500+ Aircraft"]American adding faster ViaSat WiFi to 500+ Aircraft (FT)
Link to ViaSat press announcement
Gogo cellular telephone dependent WiFi (converted to Gogo 2Ku band satellite Wi-Fi for many flights within the continental U.S. and southern Canada). Available above 10,000 ft MSL (Ku at any time). On the wane, as over 400 aircraft will be converted to ViaSat.
Link to credit cards supporting courtesy WiFi Gogo passes
Link to Gogo 2Ku page.
Link AirInsight article on Gogo loss of ~400 AA aircraft to ViaSat
Panasonic ExConnect Ku band aeronautical satellite network -based WiFi on widebody aircraft. Blacked out over China.
International (Panasonic satellite) WiFi: availability, experiences (FT)
The Jan 2020 WiFi lineup after refit is:
Airbus:
• A319: ViaSat or 2Ku
• A320 (Legacy US Airways): Gogo 2Ku
• A321 (Legacy US Airways): ViaSat
• A321 (Legacy AA - A321H, A321S): ViaSat
• 32B Sharklets (A321T): ViaSat
Boeing
• 737-800: ViaSat (all)
• 737 MAX 8: ViaSat (all)
• 787-8: Panasonic (Batch 1)
• 787-8: Viasat (Batch 2, 788T)
• 787-9: Panasonic (all)
• 777-200ER: Panasonic (all)
• 777-300ER: Panasonic (all)
• Embraer E190: ?
Parenthetical notes:
all = all in fleet
no parenthetical note = goal, not current state; Gogo conversion to Gogo 2Ku
under conversion = varies by specific aircraft until conversion complete
(Thanks to ThreeJulietTango)
Wifi Speeds inflight : AA's new service is 10x as fast as Gogo Inflight
Onboard IFE streaming (free IFE to your personal device)
WiFi based onboard server-based streaming in flight entertainment (IFE) is being added to hundreds if aircraft, making AVOD streaming to your personal device the norm (as opposed to seatback flatscreen entertainment options).
Related: Oasis: New seats & less pitch, WiFi IFE & power all 737 and A321 2019-21
Mobile Phone support/features by Provider:
GoGo:
T-Mobile - Wi-Fi calling and texting works (well I never tried the calling but, but it connects as T-Mobile WiFi). iPhone imessage works
Verizon -
AT&T -
Sprint -
Panasonic:
T-Mobile - Wi-Fi calling not available, so no Wi-Fi texting. iPhone iMessage works (only when texting another iPhone user)
Verizon -
AT&T -
Sprint -
Viasat:
T-Mobile - Will register as T-Mobile WiFi. WiFi texting works. Unknown about WiFi calling, but didn't want to chance it.
Verizon -
AT&T -
Sprint -
Link to archived 2018 posts
HELP DESK: AA In-Flight WiFi (Gogo, ViaSat, Panasonic)
Jun 16, 2019, 8:49 am
#76
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: AA PPR
Posts: 28
I'm flying from PHL to SNN in Economy this September. Checked my reservation and didn't see a WiFi icon. I do see a WiFi icon, however, for my DUB to CLT flight home in economy on an Airbus 332. I know 757s are old equipment. But I thought the transatlantic ones would have been retrofitted for WiFi by now.
Also, anyone know if AA offers any discounts (refunds) on WiFi purchased using either a Barclays Aviator AAdvantage Business MC or a personal Citi AAdvantage Platinum MC?
Also, anyone know if AA offers any discounts (refunds) on WiFi purchased using either a Barclays Aviator AAdvantage Business MC or a personal Citi AAdvantage Platinum MC?
Jun 16, 2019, 9:23 am
#77
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Plat Pro, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 124
The Barclays cards now offer the following:
Aviator Red Mastercard: $25 WiFi yearly statement credit
Aviator Silver Mastercard: $50 WiFi yearly statement credit
Aviator Business: No credit
The Citi AA Platinum Business offers 25% off WiFi.
Aviator Red Mastercard: $25 WiFi yearly statement credit
Aviator Silver Mastercard: $50 WiFi yearly statement credit
Aviator Business: No credit
The Citi AA Platinum Business offers 25% off WiFi.
Jun 16, 2019, 9:41 am
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,013
I flew one of these Dino birds Friday and if memory serves the pricing tiers were $12 for 2 hours, $17 for 4 and $19 for the duration. It was pretty fast too.
Jun 16, 2019, 11:50 pm
#79
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Bergen County NJ
Programs: AA EXP, UA1K B6 Mosaic 1, Amtrak Select, Marriott Plat , AMEX Plat (noted for club access reference)
Posts: 785
What's Current Status of this?
Did you guys end up signing up for an iPass account or was US Mobile the way you had to go?
Long story short I need to access internet on Swiss on 2 days this week. Swiss charges $$$$$ for very little MBs. If someone has an account and is not using it, I will gladly compensate for those two days... Whatever you think is fair... Or if there is a way to add me for a month to the plan and pay for the service...
See my FT history have been on here since 2012 and have done transactions from the FT swap store before with no issues.
Please PM me if you can, thanks...
Long story short I need to access internet on Swiss on 2 days this week. Swiss charges $$$$$ for very little MBs. If someone has an account and is not using it, I will gladly compensate for those two days... Whatever you think is fair... Or if there is a way to add me for a month to the plan and pay for the service...
See my FT history have been on here since 2012 and have done transactions from the FT swap store before with no issues.
Please PM me if you can, thanks...
Jun 17, 2019, 5:26 am
#80
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,473
Thanks to all. If every AA TATL 757 has been retrofitted with WiFi I’m not sure why the WiFi logo doesn’t appear on my reservation, as it does on my A332 TATL return segment portion of the reservation.
Jun 17, 2019, 5:52 am
#81
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
Pretty weak of Citi to not offer this on any of the personal cards, even the exec, when the much cheaper Barclay cards offer it.
Jun 17, 2019, 12:31 pm
#82
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,473
https://creditcards.aa.com/barclay-c...es-aadvantage/
Jul 12, 2019, 10:39 am
#83
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
Any recent experience with Panasonic lately? Got a flight next week that I could really use internet for to catch up on work, but the last few times Panasonic has been unusable. Flight is on a 789 to PVG if that matters.
On that note, I understand internet access is blocked while over China. Anyone know approximately how many hours of the flight are considered over China? Is is the last 2..4...? that I should expect no internet?
On that note, I understand internet access is blocked while over China. Anyone know approximately how many hours of the flight are considered over China? Is is the last 2..4...? that I should expect no internet?
Jul 15, 2019, 2:51 pm
#84
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
Any recent experience with Panasonic lately? Got a flight next week that I could really use internet for to catch up on work, but the last few times Panasonic has been unusable. Flight is on a 789 to PVG if that matters.
On that note, I understand internet access is blocked while over China. Anyone know approximately how many hours of the flight are considered over China? Is is the last 2..4...? that I should expect no internet?
On that note, I understand internet access is blocked while over China. Anyone know approximately how many hours of the flight are considered over China? Is is the last 2..4...? that I should expect no internet?
Sep 9, 2019, 11:34 am
#85
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Question on Gogo passes. I've got a pair of segments tomorrow - both on A320s (joy). Saw from the AA Google fleet site that the Wifi is listed as GoGo 2Ku. I've got two Gogo day passes still in my account.Can I use them on the 2Ku system?
Oct 28, 2019, 4:28 pm
#86
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,320
Wifi on these AA Hawaii Flights?
Hi All,
I am looking at booking flights LAX-KOA which are showing as operated by A321. Flights AA59 and AA58. Anyone know if these are serviced by satellite wifi yet? Can book roughly the same flights times with UA and since price is roughly the same, would prefer whichever has satellite wifi if either does.
Thanks,
J.
I am looking at booking flights LAX-KOA which are showing as operated by A321. Flights AA59 and AA58. Anyone know if these are serviced by satellite wifi yet? Can book roughly the same flights times with UA and since price is roughly the same, would prefer whichever has satellite wifi if either does.
Thanks,
J.
Oct 28, 2019, 9:23 pm
#89
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
https://www.viasat.com/viasat-2-cove...la-to-istanbul
But they did. The good news is if they start flying these birds to Istanbul sometime, Viasat is planning to expand coverage in that direction.
Oct 28, 2019, 9:27 pm
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Yeah, you would think if AA created a special subfleet that was primarily designed to fly LAX<->Hawaii AND since they have three different WiFi providers, they wouldn't have chosen the provider whose coverage map looks like this:
https://www.viasat.com/viasat-2-cove...la-to-istanbul
But they did. The good news is if they start flying these birds to Istanbul sometime, Viasat is planning to expand coverage in that direction.
https://www.viasat.com/viasat-2-cove...la-to-istanbul
But they did. The good news is if they start flying these birds to Istanbul sometime, Viasat is planning to expand coverage in that direction.