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)
Jan 25, 2022, 5:18 pm
#211
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,252
https://support.aainflight.com
The fourth item in the FAQ says this:
When I cancelled I called them. Took a couple of minutes. You might be able to use the Chat option on that page, I've not tried it.
Jan 26, 2022, 8:06 am
#212
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,691
It definitely was gogo. It was an RJ flight and the login page only had ipass as a roaming partner (viasat has boingo), and there was gogo logos on the page. Plus the URL had gogo in it.
Jan 28, 2022, 6:03 pm
#213
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: MKE
Programs: Fly: AA EXP UA Gold MM Stay: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat Drive: Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 782
Strange.
more flights yesterday. One Gogo with this splash screen. Other was viasat and no Gogo option. No screenshot either, sorry.
Gogo wifi on AA
more flights yesterday. One Gogo with this splash screen. Other was viasat and no Gogo option. No screenshot either, sorry.
Gogo wifi on AA
Mar 3, 2022, 11:56 am
#215
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP/UAG
Posts: 38
In flight Wifi
Hey,
So I use Tmobile for my cell but I have not been on a AA flight in a long time that provided free wifi too TMobile users.
I find myself searcihing for ways to get online and there are three options seems like my choices are, an hour, a flight or a Boingo subscription....
Does anyone use Boingo? I am curious what flyers find the most cost effective...
So I use Tmobile for my cell but I have not been on a AA flight in a long time that provided free wifi too TMobile users.
I find myself searcihing for ways to get online and there are three options seems like my choices are, an hour, a flight or a Boingo subscription....
Does anyone use Boingo? I am curious what flyers find the most cost effective...
Last edited by juniorflyer78; Mar 3, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Mar 3, 2022, 12:01 pm
#216
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
Mar 3, 2022, 12:50 pm
#217
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 152
Mar 3, 2022, 12:57 pm
#219
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Midwest USA
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 591
Hey,
So I use Tmobile for my cell but I have not been on a AA flight in a long time that provided free wifi too TMobile users.
I find myself searcihing for ways to get online and there are three options seems like my choices are, an hour, a flight or a Boingo subscription....
Does anyone use Boingo? I am curious what flyers find the most cost effective...
So I use Tmobile for my cell but I have not been on a AA flight in a long time that provided free wifi too TMobile users.
I find myself searcihing for ways to get online and there are three options seems like my choices are, an hour, a flight or a Boingo subscription....
Does anyone use Boingo? I am curious what flyers find the most cost effective...
Mar 3, 2022, 4:45 pm
#221
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
So I use Tmobile for my cell but I have not been on a AA flight in a long time that provided free wifi too TMobile users.
I find myself searcihing for ways to get online and there are three options seems like my choices are, an hour, a flight or a Boingo subscription....
Does anyone use Boingo? I am curious what flyers find the most cost effective...
I find myself searcihing for ways to get online and there are three options seems like my choices are, an hour, a flight or a Boingo subscription....
Does anyone use Boingo? I am curious what flyers find the most cost effective...
~Moderator
Mar 4, 2022, 10:41 am
#222
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP 3.8MM AC; UA Silver; Hyatt Globalist; Honors Diamond; Bonvoy LT TTM
Posts: 336
Heads up, I sent an email to the email provided last month ([email protected]), got no response, so resent, and it never got canceled, causing a charge for another month. I tried calling the number, but no one answers. I was able to finally get canceled via the chat option.
A few things I prefer about UA's WiFi service.
*It appears on your card as a United charge/service, so counts toward the Amex airline credits for those that have them.
*Their website allows you to easily cancel your subscription, so you can buy a 30-day subscription and cancel it immediately (service continues for the 30 days). With UA, I just buy 30-day subscriptions when I have a number of trips back-to back and it makes sense financially.
A few things I prefer about UA's WiFi service.
*It appears on your card as a United charge/service, so counts toward the Amex airline credits for those that have them.
*Their website allows you to easily cancel your subscription, so you can buy a 30-day subscription and cancel it immediately (service continues for the 30 days). With UA, I just buy 30-day subscriptions when I have a number of trips back-to back and it makes sense financially.
Mar 14, 2022, 1:34 pm
#223
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Texas
Programs: Hyatt Glob (Barely); Marriott Plat Life; AA Up and Down Now Plat; Hilton, UA, BA, HA Peasant
Posts: 2,669
WiFi to Hawaii on A321neo
Relative making near-term very short notice flight. He insists he needs over-water internet connection for business. (Which sounds absolutely depressing on your way to Hawaii, but I digress).
His best routing would be leaving from LAX, where he will be by then anyway, flying on an AA A321neo. (The alternative would be to backtrack to Phoenix or even home to DFW and get on an AA widebody, or another airline). He has something above Platinum on AA and wants the miles to requalify if possible.
The AA website lets you type in flight numbers to check WiFi availability, but answers the question by displaying an icon. (Which gets me back to why don't they just say "yes" or "no" anyway. Even if that makes me sound even older than I am).
The icons for widebodys obviously indicate availability. A321neos are . . . .confusing. They display an icon that looks like you are looking through a streaky windshield with a wiper stuck on the right side. Don't have a clue what that even means.
From an outside source it appears most AA A321s are equipped with a vendor that does not work over the Pacific. But that map is dated, and I suppose the over-water planes would be a sub-fleet.
But I'm guessing. Does anyone know from recent experience?
Thanks
His best routing would be leaving from LAX, where he will be by then anyway, flying on an AA A321neo. (The alternative would be to backtrack to Phoenix or even home to DFW and get on an AA widebody, or another airline). He has something above Platinum on AA and wants the miles to requalify if possible.
The AA website lets you type in flight numbers to check WiFi availability, but answers the question by displaying an icon. (Which gets me back to why don't they just say "yes" or "no" anyway. Even if that makes me sound even older than I am).
The icons for widebodys obviously indicate availability. A321neos are . . . .confusing. They display an icon that looks like you are looking through a streaky windshield with a wiper stuck on the right side. Don't have a clue what that even means.
From an outside source it appears most AA A321s are equipped with a vendor that does not work over the Pacific. But that map is dated, and I suppose the over-water planes would be a sub-fleet.
But I'm guessing. Does anyone know from recent experience?
Thanks
Mar 14, 2022, 3:13 pm
#224
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Heads up, I sent an email to the email provided last month ([email protected]), got no response, so resent, and it never got canceled, causing a charge for another month. I tried calling the number, but no one answers. I was able to finally get canceled via the chat option.
A few things I prefer about UA's WiFi service.
*It appears on your card as a United charge/service, so counts toward the Amex airline credits for those that have them.
*Their website allows you to easily cancel your subscription, so you can buy a 30-day subscription and cancel it immediately (service continues for the 30 days). With UA, I just buy 30-day subscriptions when I have a number of trips back-to back and it makes sense financially.
A few things I prefer about UA's WiFi service.
*It appears on your card as a United charge/service, so counts toward the Amex airline credits for those that have them.
*Their website allows you to easily cancel your subscription, so you can buy a 30-day subscription and cancel it immediately (service continues for the 30 days). With UA, I just buy 30-day subscriptions when I have a number of trips back-to back and it makes sense financially.
Mar 14, 2022, 3:25 pm
#225
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,252