Jun 4, 18, 10:33 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
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)
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)
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 25, 23, 12:40 pm
#331
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 507
This link is just what I needed! Monthly makes the most sense also for me on a different itinerary upcoming so will get a monthly.
There actually is a link where you can purchase the monthly subscription here - https://american-wifi-subscription.c...nt/#/pickapass
In case that might be helpful to post in any master threads related to wifi service on AA...
Thanks!
There actually is a link where you can purchase the monthly subscription here - https://american-wifi-subscription.c...nt/#/pickapass
In case that might be helpful to post in any master threads related to wifi service on AA...
Thanks!
Jun 25, 23, 2:33 pm
#332
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: 4,523
I have bought and cancelled monthly subscriptions many times. I get $200 in indicentals from a credit card, and have no real other way to use it, so I typically use it for four trips a year. Especially if I have two trips within the 30 days.
Jun 25, 23, 2:47 pm
#333
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,039
Same. The only annoying part is you need to email to have the subscription cancelled, but they typically process it within 24 hours.
Jun 27, 23, 11:24 am
#334
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,613
Jun 27, 23, 2:17 pm
#335
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,039
Jun 27, 23, 5:51 pm
#336
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,095
This link is just what I needed! Monthly makes the most sense also for me on a different itinerary upcoming so will get a monthly.
There actually is a link where you can purchase the monthly subscription here - https://american-wifi-subscription.c...nt/#/pickapass
In case that might be helpful to post in any master threads related to wifi service on AA...
Thanks!
There actually is a link where you can purchase the monthly subscription here - https://american-wifi-subscription.c...nt/#/pickapass
In case that might be helpful to post in any master threads related to wifi service on AA...
Thanks!
Jun 27, 23, 10:11 pm
#337
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,498
Jun 27, 23, 10:14 pm
#338
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 12,828
Jun 27, 23, 10:25 pm
#339
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,498
Jul 9, 23, 2:47 pm
#342
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,613
Every time I have an issue with AA wifi, I get on their WW Wifi chat page and get a $15 refund (they always offer $10, I push back). I have the monthly subscription. My guess is the credits get close to paying for the subscription.
Jul 30, 23, 10:16 pm
#343
Join Date: May 2005
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 517
Widebody "increased bandwidth" reports
Any recent datapoints from the 777/787 aircraft as to whether this is making a difference?
https://news.aa.com/news/news-detail...6/default.aspx
https://news.aa.com/news/news-detail...6/default.aspx
Aug 25, 23, 2:56 pm
#344
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: 4,523
Online WiFi Question (gate-to-gate?)
I am flying LAS-PHL on September 13 on a B737-800. My online bridge team has a match that begins about 2 hours 30 minutes before I land, and will last a bit over 3 hours. I have a laptop and also an iPhone with T-Mobile on something like their 55 Plus plan.
My question is, will I have a blackout period when I can't be online? I can play the match from either a laptop or my phone.
My question is, will I have a blackout period when I can't be online? I can play the match from either a laptop or my phone.
Aug 25, 23, 4:06 pm
#345
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AAdvantage Exec Platinum, Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, HHonors Silver
Posts: 1,950
Assuming there's no Wi-Fi outage, I think you should be fine. However, there's definitely no guarantee of the Wi-Fi working the entire flight.
