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)
Jul 27, 2022, 2:35 am
#241
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Depends on the type of international flight. For widebody service offered by Panasonic (777s and 78s), the wifi subscription is different and won't work. If you have an international flight on the narrowbodies, the wifi is service by Gogo or Viasat and your monthly subscription does work.
AA's wifi is absurdly expensive compared to UA and DL. It takes about 3 flights for me to merit the monthly subscription.
AA's wifi is absurdly expensive compared to UA and DL. It takes about 3 flights for me to merit the monthly subscription.
Jul 27, 2022, 5:45 am
#242
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,903
Depends on the type of international flight. For widebody service offered by Panasonic (777s and 78s), the wifi subscription is different and won't work. If you have an international flight on the narrowbodies, the wifi is service by Gogo or Viasat and your monthly subscription does work.
AA's wifi is absurdly expensive compared to UA and DL. It takes about 3 flights for me to merit the monthly subscription.
AA's wifi is absurdly expensive compared to UA and DL. It takes about 3 flights for me to merit the monthly subscription.
Jul 27, 2022, 11:45 am
#243
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Gold Elite, Lowly kettle across every other loyalty program.
Posts: 778
Jul 27, 2022, 6:12 pm
#245
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, BA Silver, Marriott Plat., Hertz Pres. Circle, Avis First
Posts: 917
Correct. The wifi only works for the first 15 minutes or so leaving the west coast, or the last 15 minutes or so before descending below 10k feet when flying to the west coast from Hawaii. On the plus side, wifi for that short time is free.
Jul 27, 2022, 7:59 pm
#246
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Pity AA doesn't take such things into account when deploying aircraft.
Aug 8, 2022, 2:31 pm
#247
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Santa Cruz, CA USA
Programs: AA, UA, WN, HH, Marriott
Posts: 7,290
Wi-Fi on Different Types of AA Aircraft - Mainline and Regional
A friend of mine asked what I know about the quality of Wi-Fi on the different types of aircraft AA flies, both mainline and regional. I said "not much" but I think I know the right place to ask. So here I am. He's in Santa Fe and flies out of ABQ and SAF, which are dominated by AA and WN. He's decided to make a push for AA status but needs to work on board much of the time and wants to choose flights that are most likely to have good quality WiFi - he even bought a month's usage. So for example, any differences between the CR7 and the E75 or how they stand up vs mainline? How about the 737s vs the 319/320s? Any other issues? Thanks
Aug 8, 2022, 9:35 pm
#249
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
Mainline is mostly Viasat which is "high speed" although I have seen it be useless on rare occasions. Rarely buy it due to their cost.
Eagle flights such as the 175 will be Gogo which is the older system but I get it for free with Tmobile so I use it regularly. Never had it not be enough for general web usage (but not streaming video)
Eagle flights such as the 175 will be Gogo which is the older system but I get it for free with Tmobile so I use it regularly. Never had it not be enough for general web usage (but not streaming video)
Aug 8, 2022, 9:36 pm
#250
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
AA widebodies use Panasonic wifi service. When you are flying domestically, an AA monthly subscription works on widebodies. When you are flying internationally, only a Panasonic subscription or Panasonic pay-as-you-go option works.
As far as I know, all Eagle fleet aircraft (except for E-140/145s) use terrestrial Gogo services. This seems to be the case as I can always use a free hour of service with my T-Mobile plan.
The A320s and some A319s seem to be on Gogo as well but Gogo 2Ku satellite services instead of Gogo terrestrial. You also can get a free hour of service if you have a T-Mobile plan.
The rest of the AA mainline fleet (1/2 of the A319s, all A321s, and all 737s (-800 and MAX)) use ViaSat.
If I were to rank usability in order of most usable to least usable, it is #1 Panasonic, #2 Viasat, #3 Gogo 2Ku, #4 Gogo terrestrial.
As far as I know, all Eagle fleet aircraft (except for E-140/145s) use terrestrial Gogo services. This seems to be the case as I can always use a free hour of service with my T-Mobile plan.
The A320s and some A319s seem to be on Gogo as well but Gogo 2Ku satellite services instead of Gogo terrestrial. You also can get a free hour of service if you have a T-Mobile plan.
The rest of the AA mainline fleet (1/2 of the A319s, all A321s, and all 737s (-800 and MAX)) use ViaSat.
If I were to rank usability in order of most usable to least usable, it is #1 Panasonic, #2 Viasat, #3 Gogo 2Ku, #4 Gogo terrestrial.
Aug 9, 2022, 7:25 am
#252
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,072
Has the fleet been standardized to all display the 'aainflight' WiFi hotspot? In this case, how to know if you're getting terrestrial GoGo (slower) or the higher speeds of ViaSat or 2Ku?
To the OP - if your friend's work involves needing to be on email, teams/skype chat, iMessage, WhatsApp, etc., then any WiFi offering should be fine. Said friend will likely get standard GoGo on an E175 or other regional, the speeds will likely be good enough for basic web browsing, email, etc. Streaming won't be possible.
To the OP - if your friend's work involves needing to be on email, teams/skype chat, iMessage, WhatsApp, etc., then any WiFi offering should be fine. Said friend will likely get standard GoGo on an E175 or other regional, the speeds will likely be good enough for basic web browsing, email, etc. Streaming won't be possible.
Aug 9, 2022, 7:42 am
#253
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Aug 10, 2022, 4:24 am
#255
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: MIA, VIE and DPS
Programs: DL Plat 1MM, AA EXP 3MM, SQ Krisflyer Gold, UA Silver, Marriott LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 1,132
I am in shock - Panasonic #1? I am still longing for the days when those planes used Deutsche Telekom. I find Panasonic to have severe issues in higher density areas (like NE coast) (I am assuming, but don't know how many sats they use, that they have too limited bandwidth), there are several areas over the atlantic where I feel I could welcome each byte personally. I would have ranked Panasonic last. It also likes to randomly disconnect the session - even during normal usage. a MUC-CLT or LHR-MIA flight usually requires me to log in at least 4-5 times