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 21, 2018, 12:03 am
#18
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
Side note, I tried to use my Amex Platinum Boingo account recently and it didn't work anymore. I sent support a message and got this back:
Thank you for contacting Boingo regarding your recent connection trouble with inflight Wi-Fi. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. Inflight Wi-Fi is not a benefit included with the complimentary service provided through American Express. Due to a recently discovered bug you may have received access on certain flights. Moving forward your American Express plan will include all the land based hotspots you’ve been enjoying but inflight Wi-Fi will no longer work.
If there's anything more we can do to help, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Thank you for contacting Boingo regarding your recent connection trouble with inflight Wi-Fi. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. Inflight Wi-Fi is not a benefit included with the complimentary service provided through American Express. Due to a recently discovered bug you may have received access on certain flights. Moving forward your American Express plan will include all the land based hotspots you’ve been enjoying but inflight Wi-Fi will no longer work.
If there's anything more we can do to help, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Sep 21, 2018, 6:28 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 161
TALLY LIST to be UPDATED as more people chime in for an accurate #.
I "believe".... but I would have to confirm.... that this is at least 2. When I've had iPass in the past, I was able to sign in both my laptop and my cell phone at the same time. I would need to confirm that however. I would like to figure out if we can get a large group though. The more we have, the better the discount.
So far:
Myself
ESpen36
valuepac
donotblink - interested
samewise622
swingaling
NickP 1K
I "believe".... but I would have to confirm.... that this is at least 2. When I've had iPass in the past, I was able to sign in both my laptop and my cell phone at the same time. I would need to confirm that however. I would like to figure out if we can get a large group though. The more we have, the better the discount.
So far:
Myself
ESpen36
valuepac
donotblink - interested
samewise622
swingaling
NickP 1K
Last edited by usafltg; Sep 21, 2018 at 11:39 am
Sep 21, 2018, 10:31 am
#24
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
Great idea but seems like it (1) doesn't add value for domestic travel for those who have T-mobile or (2) deal with the ViaSat problem. Wish there was a ViaSat solution!
Sep 21, 2018, 11:38 am
#25
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 161
2 - iPass handles gogo, aainflight (panasonic) and they're in the process of dealing with the upgraded ViaSat. I've been told a Q4 roll-out is in the works - but would love confirmation of this.
3 - the majority of air carriers, hotspots (paid ones, not just free ones) are covered through the service. One ring to rule them all so to speak.
Sep 21, 2018, 2:18 pm
#26
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
1 - T-Mobile subscribers only get 1 hour on domestic flights, on a mobile device only. There is some trickery you can do to "hack" this to work on your laptop, and even extend the 1 hour range.... but I'm assuming the majority don't want to mess with this.
2 - iPass handles gogo, aainflight (panasonic) and they're in the process of dealing with the upgraded ViaSat. I've been told a Q4 roll-out is in the works - but would love confirmation of this.
3 - the majority of air carriers, hotspots (paid ones, not just free ones) are covered through the service. One ring to rule them all so to speak.
2 - iPass handles gogo, aainflight (panasonic) and they're in the process of dealing with the upgraded ViaSat. I've been told a Q4 roll-out is in the works - but would love confirmation of this.
3 - the majority of air carriers, hotspots (paid ones, not just free ones) are covered through the service. One ring to rule them all so to speak.
Well ... many T-Mobile subscribers have plans that give unlimited inflight gogo. On Samsung phones, one simply needs to turn on the phone hotspot so not any trickery involved.
AAinflight (panasonic) is a definite plus!
As for ViaSat, that would be an excellent addition but I'm a bit skeptical based on other rumors regarding viasat.
Sep 21, 2018, 10:42 pm
#27
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
Well ... many T-Mobile subscribers have plans that give unlimited inflight gogo. On Samsung phones, one simply needs to turn on the phone hotspot so not any trickery involved.
AAinflight (panasonic) is a definite plus!
As for ViaSat, that would be an excellent addition but I'm a bit skeptical based on other rumors regarding viasat.
AAinflight (panasonic) is a definite plus!
As for ViaSat, that would be an excellent addition but I'm a bit skeptical based on other rumors regarding viasat.
Sep 22, 2018, 2:46 am
#28
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, United Silver
Posts: 173
samsung phones do pass wifi to other devices its called wifi sharing