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)
Oct 12, 2022, 10:15 am
#286
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 144
Just to note that on Viasat flights, I have had the option of watching 20-30 second commercials, and then getting 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi.
I was able to do this on Sunday flight and today.
When the 20 minutes are up, you can watch another commercial and get another 20 free minutes....
Click on Get Online at aainflight.com and scroll down....
I was able to do this on Sunday flight and today.
When the 20 minutes are up, you can watch another commercial and get another 20 free minutes....
Click on Get Online at aainflight.com and scroll down....
Oct 12, 2022, 10:36 pm
#287
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,645
Oct 13, 2022, 1:59 am
#288
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Just to note that on Viasat flights, I have had the option of watching 20-30 second commercials, and then getting 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi.
I was able to do this on Sunday flight and today.
When the 20 minutes are up, you can watch another commercial and get another 20 free minutes....
Click on Get Online at aainflight.com and scroll down....
I was able to do this on Sunday flight and today.
When the 20 minutes are up, you can watch another commercial and get another 20 free minutes....
Click on Get Online at aainflight.com and scroll down....
Dec 11, 2022, 8:31 am
#292
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PHL (kinda, no airport is really close)
Programs: AA Exp, but not sure for how long. Enterprise Platinum woo-hoo!
Posts: 4,551
Cost Of A Wi-Fi Session
What are people paying for a wi-fi session?
I don't usually buy it because of price, but last time I was on a transcon (PHL-LAS) it was $9 for the entire flight, which seemed very reasonable.
I don't usually buy it because of price, but last time I was on a transcon (PHL-LAS) it was $9 for the entire flight, which seemed very reasonable.
Dec 11, 2022, 8:33 am
#293
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
The pricing on AA is so weird. Sometimes the all flight pricing is surprisingly cheap, and sometimes it's shockingly expensive. It doesn't seem to correlate well to segment length either. Thankfully, I get free wifi on all AA flights.
Dec 11, 2022, 9:32 am
#294
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,880
Prices vary by provider (Panasonic, Viasat, and Gogo).
The cost on some American flights is maddening... it can reach into the $29-$35 range for a full flight session for domestic flights. By comparison, United only charges $8 for a full flight session for all domestic flights and some short-haul international.
The cost on some American flights is maddening... it can reach into the $29-$35 range for a full flight session for domestic flights. By comparison, United only charges $8 for a full flight session for all domestic flights and some short-haul international.
Dec 11, 2022, 9:42 am
#295
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,033
Between lucking out and being on planes that have it free for T Mobile users and being on planes that have comp 20 or 30 minute sessions (that every time I have used again on the same flight) the cost for me is $0.
Dec 11, 2022, 9:43 am
#296
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
Prices vary by provider (Panasonic, Viasat, and Gogo).
The cost on some American flights is maddening... it can reach into the $29-$35 range for a full flight session for domestic flights. By comparison, United only charges $8 for a full flight session for all domestic flights and some short-haul international.
The cost on some American flights is maddening... it can reach into the $29-$35 range for a full flight session for domestic flights. By comparison, United only charges $8 for a full flight session for all domestic flights and some short-haul international.
Jan 5, 2023, 7:27 am
#298
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: ABQ
Programs: Delta Platinum, Southwest A-List
Posts: 1,426
I just signed up for the two device Wi-Fi service. I’m currently on the device I signed up for the service on. However, how do I sign on to the service on another device? There’s no option to login? I imagine this will also be the same thing I’ll have to do when I get on another flight on this device…
——
Edit - I chatted with customer service, they had me go to private mode on safari and aainflight.com (or whatever it is) and I was able to see a “login” button that way! Hope this helps anyone else with this issue in the future.
——
Edit - I chatted with customer service, they had me go to private mode on safari and aainflight.com (or whatever it is) and I was able to see a “login” button that way! Hope this helps anyone else with this issue in the future.
Last edited by Juanefny; Jan 5, 2023 at 7:59 am
Jan 5, 2023, 2:52 pm
#299
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Whidbey Island, WA
Programs: AA EXP, DL UA AS
Posts: 207
I'm wondering if AA will follow DL and begin offering free Wifi. As a TMobile customer I was hopeful when the announcement was made several months ago about expanded free wifi on AA, DL and UA for TMobile customers. I have been able to access free wifi on Alaska flights, but there has been no change on AA's Viasat equipped aircraft.
Jan 5, 2023, 3:02 pm
#300
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,252
I just signed up for the two device Wi-Fi service. I’m currently on the device I signed up for the service on. However, how do I sign on to the service on another device? There’s no option to login? I imagine this will also be the same thing I’ll have to do when I get on another flight on this device…
——
Edit - I chatted with customer service, they had me go to private mode on safari and aainflight.com (or whatever it is) and I was able to see a “login” button that way! Hope this helps anyone else with this issue in the future.
——
Edit - I chatted with customer service, they had me go to private mode on safari and aainflight.com (or whatever it is) and I was able to see a “login” button that way! Hope this helps anyone else with this issue in the future.
