A North Carolina Major Airline Just Announced Free Wi-Fi — But There’s a Catch

Get Ready to Connect in the Clouds Without Paying a Dime

Frequent flyers, your days of paying extra to stay connected in the air may soon be over — at least with one major airline. Beginning in January 2026, passengers will be able to access high-speed Wi-Fi at no cost on more than 2 million flights each year. The move marks one of the biggest in-flight tech upgrades in recent memory and could change how travelers pass the time in the sky.

But before you get too excited, there’s a small catch. While the Wi-Fi will be free, it won’t be accessible to just anyone.

You’ll Need to Join a Free Loyalty Program

To take advantage of the complimentary internet, passengers must be members of the airline’s frequent flyer program. Thankfully, it’s completely free to join — and you can sign up before your flight or even while booking. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to connect to high-speed satellite internet on eligible flights with no additional charge.

The Airline Behind the Big Move? American Airlines

American Airlines is leading the way by offering free Wi-Fi to AAdvantage members. With this initiative, the world’s largest airline by passengers carried is setting a new standard for in-flight perks. The company announced the change in April 2025, noting that the free service will be available on more aircraft than any other U.S. domestic carrier.

Not Every Plane Will Be Equipped — At Least Not Yet

To start, the service will be available on aircraft outfitted with Viasat or Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, covering roughly 90% of America’s fleet. That means most, but not all, of their planes will offer the perk right away. Currently, internet access on American flights costs anywhere from $10 to $35, depending on the flight, so this change represents major savings for tech-savvy travelers.

The skies are about to get a lot more connected — and a little more competitive.

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