• American will begin testing free Wi-Fi on three domestic routes, two of which depart Charlotte.
• Other airlines, like Delta, have already expanded their free Wi-Fi networks for members.

American Airlines has announced that it is taking a step forward in its customer experience by exploring the expansion of its in-flight connectivity. The airline will be testing the new service on three routes: Charlotte (CLT) to Raleigh Durham (RDU), Charlotte (CLT) to Jacksonville (JAX), and Miami (MIA) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

“With the creation of our new Customer Experience organization led by Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden, American Airlines is more committed than ever to enhancing every aspect of our customers’ travel journey,” the airline said in a statement released to Travel + Leisure. Staying connected in the skies is critical to today’s passengers and through this limited-time complimentary Wi-Fi test, we are exploring opportunities to build upon our high-speed Wi-Fi offerings to stay competitive in the industry and give our customers what we know they want.”

American currently offers Wi-Fi with texting and streaming for free for T-Mobile customers on their domestic flights. Other limited packages start from $10 per flight or frequent flyers might opt for full Wi-Fi packages under their monthly subscription plans (starting at $49.95). 

This move by American will enable them to compete in a space where other airlines have already ventured. United Airlines announced in January that it will be launching its free Wi-Fi service provided by Elon Musk’s Starlink as early as spring for the company’s MileagePlus members. Two years ago, Delta said it was adding free Wi-Fi on most Domestic (and some international) flights for SkyMiles members, and recently announced another in-flight deal with DraftKings and a streaming deal with YouTube.

A timeline for fleet implementation has not yet been set for American.