American Airlines is currently exploring the possibility of offering free WiFi to its passengers, but a definitive plan hasn’t been announced yet. Kim Cisek, the airline’s vice president of customer experience and product management, hinted at upcoming news during an interview at the company’s headquarters in Dallas.
Even though American Airlines currently offers free WiFi with advertisements for 20 minutes on mainline flights and free access for T-Mobile customers who qualify, it seems to be falling behind rival airlines .Cisek emphasised the airline’s dedication to laying a strong basis for its WiFi offerings. Cisek emphasised the airline’s commitment to building a solid foundation for its WiFi services. “Ultimately, we want to ensure that as we’re building out the foundation, we make sure we build this right,” she stated. While American Airlines currently provides 20 minutes of free, ad-sponsored WiFi on mainline flights and free access for eligible T-Mobile customers, it appears to be lagging behind competitors.
Delta Airlines has already set the bar high by offering free WiFi to all SkyMiles members on most domestic flights and is extending this service to international routes. Hawaiian Airlines also provides free WiFi on its transoceanic flights, and JetBlue has long been known for offering complimentary WiFi to all its passengers.
In recent developments, United Airlines announced plans to roll out free WiFi starting next year, aiming to retrofit over 1,000 aircraft with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service. This places pressure on American Airlines to enhance its offerings as it seeks to remain competitive in the industry.
Cisek shared that American Airlines is focusing on reliable, high-speed WiFi across its fleet. The airline has already installed high-speed satellite WiFi on most of its narrowbody mainline aircraft and is in the process of implementing gate-to-gate service on its regional fleet, expected to be completed by the end of next year. New deliveries and retrofitting plans for widebody aircraft are also underway.
“We’re taking a phased approach to this,” Cisek noted, highlighting the airline’s strategy to ensure a dependable service before fully committing to free WiFi. As customers eagerly await updates, it’s clear that American Airlines is committed to enhancing the in-flight experience. Watch this space for additional updates on this fascinating development!