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)
Apr 15, 2020, 9:22 pm
#121
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,644
I've used it on transatlantic, transpacific and to and from deep South America. It's always $19 and it's always awful, slow with a lot of dead zones. On a flight from EZE to LAX I lost connectivity for almost half the flight time; I was refunded the full purchase price after I called to complain.
Apr 15, 2020, 11:20 pm
#122
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,903
I've used it on transatlantic, transpacific and to and from deep South America. It's always $19 and it's always awful, slow with a lot of dead zones. On a flight from EZE to LAX I lost connectivity for almost half the flight time; I was refunded the full purchase price after I called to complain.
Apr 16, 2020, 12:29 am
#123
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,644
Apr 16, 2020, 1:20 am
#124
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,903
Apr 16, 2020, 10:18 am
#125
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,644
Sep 14, 2020, 10:34 am
#126
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
Viasat WiFi no longer allows switching of devices?
I am currently on AA 1970 PHL-PHX A321S, and bought a WiFi connection by Viasat for $18 on my iPad, it works OK.
I then tried to switch the WiFi connection to my iPhone, but could not. So I started a chat session with Viasat support and the support rep confirmed that Viasat no longer allow for device switching!!! ...
The rep said that AA is onboard with his policy! How outrageous is this?
How long ago did this policy change went into effect? I flew AA over the 4th of July holiday and it was not like this.
AA can not afford to alienate Customers in these times, especially Executive Platinum like me who is also a UA 1K!
I then tried to switch the WiFi connection to my iPhone, but could not. So I started a chat session with Viasat support and the support rep confirmed that Viasat no longer allow for device switching!!! ...
The rep said that AA is onboard with his policy! How outrageous is this?
How long ago did this policy change went into effect? I flew AA over the 4th of July holiday and it was not like this.
AA can not afford to alienate Customers in these times, especially Executive Platinum like me who is also a UA 1K!
Sep 14, 2020, 1:29 pm
#127
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,252
I am currently on AA 1970 PHL-PHX A321S, and bought a WiFi connection by Viasat for $18 on my iPad, it works OK.
I then tried to switch the WiFi connection to my iPhone, but could not. So I started a chat session with Viasat support and the support rep confirmed that Viasat no longer allow for device switching!!! ...
The rep said that AA is onboard with his policy! How outrageous is this?
How long ago did this policy change went into effect? I flew AA over the 4th of July holiday and it was not like this.
AA can not afford to alienate Customers in these times, especially Executive Platinum like me who is also a UA 1K!
I then tried to switch the WiFi connection to my iPhone, but could not. So I started a chat session with Viasat support and the support rep confirmed that Viasat no longer allow for device switching!!! ...
The rep said that AA is onboard with his policy! How outrageous is this?
How long ago did this policy change went into effect? I flew AA over the 4th of July holiday and it was not like this.
AA can not afford to alienate Customers in these times, especially Executive Platinum like me who is also a UA 1K!
Sep 22, 2020, 4:51 pm
#128
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,330
Dec 14, 2020, 11:39 am
#129
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I have an older generation iPad (older OS too) that I can’t seem to get connected to AA WiFi these days.
I have no issues getting onto the WiFi at the clubs or any place else but AA inflight doesn’t work. I am able to access the limited sites like CNN but can’t get to the entertainment portal to watch content.
I like to think I’m somewhat technologically inclined so I’m really baffled why I can’t get this to work. After connecting to the SSID and then typing in AAinflight.com (or whatever it is) I just get the black background with the wheel that is frozen and doesn’t spin like it’s trying to connect.
Any experts know what’s going on or know of a better way to get this to work?
iPhone works fine but it’s much more enjoyable to watch stuff on the iPad.
I have no issues getting onto the WiFi at the clubs or any place else but AA inflight doesn’t work. I am able to access the limited sites like CNN but can’t get to the entertainment portal to watch content.
I like to think I’m somewhat technologically inclined so I’m really baffled why I can’t get this to work. After connecting to the SSID and then typing in AAinflight.com (or whatever it is) I just get the black background with the wheel that is frozen and doesn’t spin like it’s trying to connect.
Any experts know what’s going on or know of a better way to get this to work?
iPhone works fine but it’s much more enjoyable to watch stuff on the iPad.
Dec 14, 2020, 1:49 pm
#130
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AA, DL, Avis, Enterprise, National, IHG, HH, SPG/MR
Posts: 1,852
I have an older generation iPad (older OS too) that I can’t seem to get connected to AA WiFi these days.
I have no issues getting onto the WiFi at the clubs or any place else but AA inflight doesn’t work. I am able to access the limited sites like CNN but can’t get to the entertainment portal to watch content.
I like to think I’m somewhat technologically inclined so I’m really baffled why I can’t get this to work. After connecting to the SSID and then typing in AAinflight.com (or whatever it is) I just get the black background with the wheel that is frozen and doesn’t spin like it’s trying to connect.
Any experts know what’s going on or know of a better way to get this to work?
iPhone works fine but it’s much more enjoyable to watch stuff on the iPad.
I have no issues getting onto the WiFi at the clubs or any place else but AA inflight doesn’t work. I am able to access the limited sites like CNN but can’t get to the entertainment portal to watch content.
I like to think I’m somewhat technologically inclined so I’m really baffled why I can’t get this to work. After connecting to the SSID and then typing in AAinflight.com (or whatever it is) I just get the black background with the wheel that is frozen and doesn’t spin like it’s trying to connect.
Any experts know what’s going on or know of a better way to get this to work?
iPhone works fine but it’s much more enjoyable to watch stuff on the iPad.
Dec 18, 2020, 5:31 am
#131
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
DFW-OGG WiFi (777-200)
Hello. I'm on this flight later this month. Do all 777-200's now have WiFi? Does it work on the overwater portion? I checked aa.com flight status, and the next few days have WiFi, but my flight is too far out. Trying to plan work. aa.com doesn't seem to have a good landing page that says which aircraft have WiFi. Thanks!
Dec 18, 2020, 8:46 am
#134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,256
Dec 18, 2020, 10:46 am
#135
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Hello. I'm on this flight later this month. Do all 777-200's now have WiFi? Does it work on the overwater portion? I checked aa.com flight status, and the next few days have WiFi, but my flight is too far out. Trying to plan work. aa.com doesn't seem to have a good landing page that says which aircraft have WiFi. Thanks!