Now, Some Airlines Are Providing Free Wi-Fi

If you have a flight scheduled in the upcoming weeks, you might notice a shift in the flight attendant's welcome spiel. Aside from demonstrating how to use life vests and pointing out exits, on select flights, airline crew members will inform travelers about how to access free Wi-Fi.

From now until May 25, American Airlines is giving passengers on many domestic flights either 15 or 30 minutes of complimentary internet access, depending on the duration of the flight, in exchange for watching an advertisement.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the airline to gauge customer usage of the service and to explore ways to enhance connectivity while flying.

According to an American Airlines representative, "This trial will also raise awareness for the inflight portal, aainflight.com, helping American Airlines to better comprehend which inflight features resonate most with passengers." The portal allows travelers to view the ad, access free Wi-Fi, watch movies and shows, track their flight, and purchase additional Wi-Fi once the free period ends.

The complimentary service is available on all narrow-body aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi provided by Viasat, which includes nearly all of American's Boeing 737s, Airbus A321s, and select A319s, comprising over 80% of their fleet.

Typically, the lowest Wi-Fi fee on American flights is $10 for an entire journey, while the highest is $35 for international routes. Frequent travelers can also choose a $50 monthly plan, although it is limited to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Pricing varies based on the provider—American also collaborates with companies like Gogo and Panasonic—session type, and flight duration.

American Airlines isn't the only carrier exploring complimentary Wi-Fi options. Southwest Airlines recently introduced a similar initiative (without the ad requirement), running until June 10 to test its upgraded Wi-Fi technology, according to CNBC.

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines has revealed intentions to provide free high-speed satellite broadband Wi-Fi via Starlink on select transpacific flights starting as early as next year.

Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO Peter Ingram stated in a press release, "We will provide the best connectivity experience in the sky. We held off until the technology met our high standards for customer satisfaction, but the wait will be worthwhile. Our guests can expect fast, seamless, and complimentary Wi-Fi."

Overall, the cost of Wi-Fi on domestic flights has decreased. Delta recently introduced a flat $5 Wi-Fi fee for all destinations within the past year. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have also announced an $8 Wi-Fi charge for most domestic and short-haul international flights. Meanwhile, Southwest typically charges $8 for internet access, though it remains free for A-List Preferred Loyalty members.

Currently, JetBlue Airways is the only airline in the United States that offers free Wi-Fi on all of its flights. However, it holds only about 4 percent of the U.S. flight market share, compared to Delta Air Lines at 16 percent, American Airlines at 15 percent, and United Airlines at 11 percent.

In May 2019, Delta conducted a two-week trial where it provided free Wi-Fi on 55 daily domestic flights.

Skift, a travel industry news outlet, quoted Delta CEO Ed Bastian shortly after the 2019 trial, noting that although Gogo, Delta’s Wi-Fi provider, had enhanced inflight Wi-Fi quality, it still fell short of the speeds required for heavy passenger usage.

As of now, neither American Airlines nor Southwest Airlines has disclosed their plans regarding Wi-Fi availability after the trial period.