(NEXSTAR) – Free Wi-Fi is coming to millions of American Airlines flights this year, at least for some customers, the airline announced Tuesday.
American, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, said the Wi-Fi will be provided by AT&T “across the majority” of its fleet. Its narrowbody and dual-class regional flights will be the first to gain access starting this month.
By early spring, American expects the high-speed offering to be available on “nearly every” flight.
It won’t be as simple as connecting to the Wi-Fi when you board, however. According to American, you’ll need to be a member of its AAdvantage reward program, which is free to join.
Once you have an account, you’ll be able to use it to log into the aainflight.com portal, the airline explained.
American’s process is relatively similar to that of other airlines.
Delta, which has free Wi-Fi courtesy of T-Mobile, requires passengers to be members of its SkyMiles program. Southwest has also partnered with T-Mobile to offer its Rapid Rewards members free Wi-Fi on board its flights, or for $8 to non-members.
United has partnered with Starlink for its on-board Wi-Fi on select flights, which is free to its MileagePlus members. Eligible flyers who are T-Mobile customers may also have a free Wi-Fi option. On other flights, you may have to pay $8 (or 1,600 miles if you’re a MileagePlus member, or $10 if you aren’t) for standard Wi-Fi. United notes, however, that prices can vary based on where you’re flying.
Alaskan and Hawaiian Airlines are also partnering with Starlink, with installations starting this year. T-Mobile customers may have access to free Wi-Fi options on some flights, while others may have to pay $8 to access the internet.
Budget airline Frontier, meanwhile, does not offer Wi-Fi or any in-flight entertainment because it helps “keep our costs low,” the company explains.