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)
Sep 6, 2022, 8:03 am
#271
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
AA wifi is expensive but works very well. I spent $8 on wifi on WN last night, which was completely useless. It could barely load up email, let alone perform any video capability. The AA business Mastercard saves a few bucks off the wifi, but a bigger discount would be appreciated.
Sep 6, 2022, 8:27 am
#273
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,258
Either AA has misread the market or WN, DL and UA are grossly undercharging and have misread their pricing power. Given the financial performance and margins on the latter airlines being much better than AA, I'm inclined to think that AA is the one who is off.
Sep 6, 2022, 8:31 am
#274
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,513
Just flew SQ’s A350-900 UL SIN-LAX last night and they started offering complimentary wifi for J pax a few weeks ago.
Sure makes a 16hr flight easier.
Same ViaSat system AA uses for their Sat wifi.
Sure makes a 16hr flight easier.
Same ViaSat system AA uses for their Sat wifi.
Sep 6, 2022, 9:15 am
#275
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
Speculation: AA had a "shiny new thing" clause that let them get out of their contract with GoGo and start putting Viasat equipment in their airplanes. For this reason, they were the first large US airline to switch to Viasat -- my guess is that they have some cost-sharing with Viasat in their contract and Viasat does not wish to lower the cost. Since the other airlines switched later (or B6 has had free Wi-Fi all along), their contracts had different cost-sharing provisions (e.g. as a purchase of capacity per airplane and the airline keeps all of the revenue).
Sep 6, 2022, 9:33 am
#276
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,639
AA/ViaSat has more knowledge on supply/demand in making an informed pricing decision than anybody here on FT. According you don't need to worry about it. The market will correct for pricing discrepancies (if any). You just need to vote with your wallet.
Sep 6, 2022, 12:42 pm
#278
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Anywhere
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 674
The monthly pass is $50, so I would imagine most people who fly regularly on AA (and want Wi-Fi) have it. Lowering the cost to $8/flight might discourage people from buying the pass.
Sep 26, 2022, 10:06 pm
#279
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
I don't have monthly wifi right now because I'm mostly flying international after my next trip. What's the current pricing look like for transcons JFK<>SFO?
Oct 10, 2022, 7:36 am
#280
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
Zoom on AA Wifi
I'm sure this will generate ire, but I want to listen into a Zoom meeting using AA wifi. Does their internet block Zoom? If I use my VPN, which would mask my IP, does that get around it? I have several connection options: iOS app, Mac app, iOS browners, Mac browsers.
Again, I want to listen only.
Thanks.
Again, I want to listen only.
Thanks.
Oct 10, 2022, 7:41 am
#281
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,258
I haven't tried recently, but in my past experiences on Viasat, it works.
I've done the same thing many times. Listen via zoom or teams and contribute via typing/ the chat feature.
I've done the same thing many times. Listen via zoom or teams and contribute via typing/ the chat feature.
Oct 10, 2022, 8:25 am
#282
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,212
It should work. I've used it a few times. I also know Teams works (and, interestingly, Wi-Fi calling if you have that enabled on your phone).
Oct 10, 2022, 8:34 am
#284
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,212
I noticed it a few weeks ago when I was watching a movie on my phone and a phone call came in. I didn't answer it but was surprised to see that worked.