In April 2025, American made an exciting and overdue announcement, about inflight Wi-Fi. While this is just weeks from being rolled out on a widespread basis, I’d like to provide an additional update, as passengers may already start to receive free Wi-Fi before then…
In this post:
American will offer free Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members
American Airlines will introduce free inflight Wi-Fi as of January 2026, sponsored by AT&T. Free Wi-Fi will be available exclusively for members of the carrier’s AAdvantage program, and the airline highlights how it will offer free inflight connectivity on more planes than any other domestic carrier.
This will be offered on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high speed satellite connectivity, accounting for roughly 90% of the fleet. This means that most wide body jets won’t be offering free Wi-Fi. That’s fair enough, since Delta is struggling with actually offering its promised free Wi-Fi in many long haul markets due to satellite availability, and that has now been delayed by up to two years.
Here’s how Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, describes this development:
“Our customers greatly value staying connected while in the air, whether communicating with friends, getting work done, checking in on social media or streaming their favorite subscription services. We’ve been working diligently to outfit our aircraft with best-in-class high-speed Wi-Fi and together with AT&T are proud to offer those services at no cost to our most loyal customers.”
The interesting update, as flagged by JonNYC, is that American is now already starting “testing” rolling out this new service. So as of today (December 10, 2025), you may find that select flights already offer free inflight Wi-Fi. There will be no advance notice of this, though. Instead, passengers will only find out once onboard their flight.
What an exciting development for American passengers!
In recent years, American has really lost its edge when it comes to inflight connectivity, so I’d consider this to be a hugely positive development. Let me provide some background…
Going back several years, American was the best of the “big three” airlines when it came to inflight Wi-Fi. The airline had Viasat Wi-Fi on the most jets, meaning that passengers had access to fast Wi-Fi. Delta and United also charged for Wi-Fi, but had considerably worse systems for inflight connectivity. Over time, the situation changed:
- Delta is in the process of rolling out free Wi-Fi throughout its fleet, made possible by the widespread installation of Viasat Wi-Fi
- United is in the process of rolling out free Starlink Wi-Fi throughout its fleet, which will eventually make United the best of the “big three” US carriers on this front, though it’ll be some time before rollout is complete
Currently Delta beats American, since it also has fast Wi-Fi, but it’s free. Meanwhile United is going to beat American once it has Starlink on a widespread basis, but full rollout is likely a couple of years down the road.
When it comes to American, the issue hasn’t just been that the airline charges for Wi-Fi, but also how much the airline has been charging. For example, Alaska, Southwest, and United, have all historically charged $8 per segment for Wi-Fi, while American’s pricing is all over the place, and sometimes costs $20+ per segment.
American hasn’t even been offering free inflight messaging, aside from the T-Mobile partnership. That’s wild because:
- It’s something that even United offers at this point, with its inferior connectivity system
- American promised several years back that it would introduce free inflight messaging, but then backtracked
Going back to early 2025, American CEO Robert Isom went on record as saying that the airline had no plans to introduce free Wi-Fi. Clearly over the past several months, we’ve finally seen management change its strategy.
American has been greatly lagging both Delta and United when it comes to profitability. For so long, the airline thought it didn’t really need to compete with those airlines on product, but rather, that it could be profitable through its (primarily domestic) network.
That whole strategy just didn’t materialize, and there are some major changes at the airline, whereby management realizes the company needs to become more competitive, and focus on the passenger experience.
Look, I don’t think we’re suddenly going to see American retrofit narrow body planes with TVs, or massively improve the soft product, but I think the airline will no longer cut corners in areas where it’s so glaringly obvious that the airline needs to compete. With both Delta and United pledging to offer free Wi-Fi, it has been clear that American needs to do this as well, which is why we’re seeing this change.
Bottom line
American plans to introduce free inflight Wi-Fi as of January 2026, though testing of this service is already starting as of December 10, 2025.
This will be available for AAdvantage members on aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat connectivity, which includes a vast majority of narrow body jets. Competitively, American needed to do this, so I’m happy to see the company is actually following through on this. As someone who has been subscribed to a monthly Wi-Fi pass, this will save me hundreds of dollars per year.
What do you make of American introducing free Wi-Fi?
Starlink is so far ahead of the competitors. I'm using it in the middle of the ocean on a cruise ship and it's flawless. Just me and 7,000 of my closest friends.
What a bummer. I don't typically fly AA, but I'm taking a flight from ORD to HNL next month on a 787. Free Wifi would've been nice.
You're going from Chicago in winter to Hawaii... who cares about WiFi, you're still winning.
1990, "United is 50/50"
Actually, UA's United Next is 70% complete (551/792 NB aircraft) installing larger 4K OLED screens with Bluetooth, bigger overhead bins (carry-on for everyone!), and modern interiors with privacy wings and charging ports across all cabins. Over 250 two-class regional aircraft already have Starlink installed and UA's entire int'l wide body aircraft have had Polaris, Premium Plus and Economy Plus seats installed for years. Around 900 UA aircraft have setback video and...
1990, "United is 50/50"
Actually, UA's United Next is 70% complete (551/792 NB aircraft) installing larger 4K OLED screens with Bluetooth, bigger overhead bins (carry-on for everyone!), and modern interiors with privacy wings and charging ports across all cabins. Over 250 two-class regional aircraft already have Starlink installed and UA's entire int'l wide body aircraft have had Polaris, Premium Plus and Economy Plus seats installed for years. Around 900 UA aircraft have setback video and the old screens (like DL's) in some NB aircraft will be replaced with modern screens with the completion of United Next in 2026.
Will, "Not sure why everyone doesn't go for Starlink. I used it on a United Express flight for the first time a few weeks ago. 500 mbps down at FL380 is truly a marvel of modernity."
Starlink is a complete game changer. Starlink users enjoy far superior speeds, stability, exceptional reliability and lower latency (delay) due to arrays of low earth orbit (closer) satellites that enable gaming, streaming, and video calls that are rough or...
Will, "Not sure why everyone doesn't go for Starlink. I used it on a United Express flight for the first time a few weeks ago. 500 mbps down at FL380 is truly a marvel of modernity."
Starlink is a complete game changer. Starlink users enjoy far superior speeds, stability, exceptional reliability and lower latency (delay) due to arrays of low earth orbit (closer) satellites that enable gaming, streaming, and video calls that are rough or impractical on other providers like ViaSat that also has huge holes in its coverage.
Starlink installs in four days v 10 and weighs 85 v 300 pounds with more streamlined antennae. More reliable with weather proof laser switching between more numerous and optimal satellites.
So far Air France, Air New Zealand, Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic among airlines going with Starlink.
Starlink's advantage is its fast installation - on aircraft for which it is certified and its speed, for now.
As noted, high earth satellite systems are working on faster systems and the vast majority of passengers can do what they need to do with current technology.
The vast majority of passengers don't even know what type of aircraft they are on; they certainly aren't going to run internet speed checks before deciding on their...
Starlink's advantage is its fast installation - on aircraft for which it is certified and its speed, for now.
As noted, high earth satellite systems are working on faster systems and the vast majority of passengers can do what they need to do with current technology.
The vast majority of passengers don't even know what type of aircraft they are on; they certainly aren't going to run internet speed checks before deciding on their customer satisfaction scores.
It is far more notable that DL already has high speed WiFi on over 1000 mainline and RJ aircraft and offers free high speed WiFi domestically, across the Atlantic and to Latin America on aircraft that have it
just say it slowly over and over again and you will finally be able to accept that UA is dead last in high speed internet rollout.
TD, "As noted, high earth satellite systems are working on faster systems"
Can't overcome the distance and therefore the latency or delay. The Starlink signal travels back and forth 70x in the time it takes for 1x for Viasat which is less reliable, less stable and has massive holes in their coverage. There is no comparison.
As to Starlink, some of the 'hate' is simply because it's a Musk company, and many feel that he's sold us out as a country, etc., but that's beside the point. If Starlink is more cost-effective and reliable than competitors, it should win in the market. Period. However, I will say, jetBlue's Fly-Fi (Viasat's GEO Satelites) have been pretty good to me as a passenger (even on TATL); and, their planned Project Kuiper (Amazon's low...
As to Starlink, some of the 'hate' is simply because it's a Musk company, and many feel that he's sold us out as a country, etc., but that's beside the point. If Starlink is more cost-effective and reliable than competitors, it should win in the market. Period. However, I will say, jetBlue's Fly-Fi (Viasat's GEO Satelites) have been pretty good to me as a passenger (even on TATL); and, their planned Project Kuiper (Amazon's low earth orbit satellites) upgrade expected in the coming years should be even better for them, unless Bezos can't deliver... (ugh, feels like we're beholden to the silly whims of these techbro oligarchs, aren't we...)
so, UA has hundreds more new aircraft that do not have new AVOD than DL?
and do tell us how many UA MAINLINE aircraft have Starlink operarting?
DL has about 900 aircraft with it and an equal number operating with it.
DL reportedly has about half of its much smaller RJ fleet with high speed WiFi as is the case for AA with its industry largest RJ fleet.
I know it is hard...
so, UA has hundreds more new aircraft that do not have new AVOD than DL?
and do tell us how many UA MAINLINE aircraft have Starlink operarting?
DL has about 900 aircraft with it and an equal number operating with it.
DL reportedly has about half of its much smaller RJ fleet with high speed WiFi as is the case for AA with its industry largest RJ fleet.
I know it is hard for you to say but UA will be dead last of the big 3 with OPERATING aircraft with high speed WiFi as soon as AA turns WiFi on and DL will handedly lead the big 3 in international coverage which is already happening for the vast majority of its international network. AA and UA are STILL WAITING for Starlink to be certified on the 787
Just the facts.
All UA aircraft have older generation wifi like DL's, but in the near future they will be getting next gen Starlink wifi which is an absolute game changer as we are learning. I am glad UA isn't investing any more $ in inferior technology.
the only thing that is inferior is your self-image.
we get that virtually all airlines are investing in onboard technology including WiFi.
You are the only one that thinks that it makes any kind of logical sense to make a comparison based on the state of UA's future fleet against any other airline's current fleet.
The simple fact is that UA is the last of the big 3 to add high speed WiFi and will...
the only thing that is inferior is your self-image.
we get that virtually all airlines are investing in onboard technology including WiFi.
You are the only one that thinks that it makes any kind of logical sense to make a comparison based on the state of UA's future fleet against any other airline's current fleet.
The simple fact is that UA is the last of the big 3 to add high speed WiFi and will not catch up to DL even in 2026.
AA will take a very strong position as soon as it turns domestic WiFi and UA will not likely surpass AA even on the domestic system.
The vast majority of passengers can do what they want to do onboard aircraft with either high or low earth satellites.
let go of your need to pat yourself on the back and admit that UA really is pulling up the rear and other airlines started the process of offering high speed WiFi long before UA and are reaping the benefits now because of it.
TD, "so, UA has hundreds more new aircraft that do not have new AVOD than DL?"
New AVOD? UA has 551 NB with new AVOD and superior interiors. How many NB does DL have with new AVOD/interiors? DL unveiled it at the end of 2024 and at the rate DL refurbishes aircraft I doubt they have finished 50 aircraft so far, but feel free to let us know.
I really got a kick out of...
TD, "so, UA has hundreds more new aircraft that do not have new AVOD than DL?"
New AVOD? UA has 551 NB with new AVOD and superior interiors. How many NB does DL have with new AVOD/interiors? DL unveiled it at the end of 2024 and at the rate DL refurbishes aircraft I doubt they have finished 50 aircraft so far, but feel free to let us know.
I really got a kick out of this statement from DL's announcement, "Delta is committed to having its entire fleet look uniform and updated with this new design." When? I laughed given the state of DL's int'l wide body fleet interiors and your insistence that product consistency doesn't matter.
because I have a healthy self-esteem, I don't have a need to run around touting specific numbers of aircraft w/ all of the attributes of each aircraft but I do understand broad principles which include that DL started the process of upgrading in-flight technology years ago.
DL has older equipment just as UA does and is replacing.
Once again, you and you alone project what UA will be in the future in order to gain...
because I have a healthy self-esteem, I don't have a need to run around touting specific numbers of aircraft w/ all of the attributes of each aircraft but I do understand broad principles which include that DL started the process of upgrading in-flight technology years ago.
DL has older equipment just as UA does and is replacing.
Once again, you and you alone project what UA will be in the future in order to gain superiority compared to what DL is now.
DL is ALSO upgrading its technology - as is AA - and nobody is standing still.
as for widebody fleet consistency, UA's arguments about the consistency of its Polaris cabins go out the window (or down the toilet) as soon as it puts its first 787 in service w/ the new business class cabin.
And 80 of DL's EXISTING widebodies have superior cabins to UA Polaris. another 40 refurbs start soon on top of 25 new A350 deliveries over the next 3 years. UA won't come close to catching up to DL in 3 years.
let's face it: you are hypocritical, cherrypicking insecure little person that can't stand to admit that someone else thought of something good before UA and UA really is far from 2nd place, let alone first place in much of anything.
TD says, "I don't have a need to run around touting specific numbers of aircraft"
But TD also says, "so, UA has hundreds more new aircraft that do not have new AVOD than DL?"
It's obvious why you don't want to say. Too funny.
I would say if I knew but it really doesn't make me feel one way or the other by running around keeping a running tally of the status of every amenity on DL's (or any other airline's fleet) in my head - or even on a scrap of paper next to my computer.
I do understand that, even w/ your stats, UA is nowhere close to finishing UA Next.
But I also understand that the...
I would say if I knew but it really doesn't make me feel one way or the other by running around keeping a running tally of the status of every amenity on DL's (or any other airline's fleet) in my head - or even on a scrap of paper next to my computer.
I do understand that, even w/ your stats, UA is nowhere close to finishing UA Next.
But I also understand that the topic here is WiFI so of course you want to talk about overhead bins to avoid the reality that UA is and will be dead last in high speed WiFi installations and global access.
you ARE the master of bob and weave to avoid admitting that UA is really quite far down the list in a whole lot of things - and nowhere near the 1st place that you desperately want to think UA is
Ok, fine, lemme revise my 'hot take' to 'feels like' 50/50, but is actually 70%, if you say so.
As I was mentioning to Tim in his comment, I applaud United for actually addressing the lack of IFE and WiFi. UAL is catching up to DAL in this regard, at least on narrowbody, non-regional aircraft. (Again, it's not worth looking at CRJ/Embraer, etc., because they don't have much of it anyway, though, it'd be...
Ok, fine, lemme revise my 'hot take' to 'feels like' 50/50, but is actually 70%, if you say so.
As I was mentioning to Tim in his comment, I applaud United for actually addressing the lack of IFE and WiFi. UAL is catching up to DAL in this regard, at least on narrowbody, non-regional aircraft. (Again, it's not worth looking at CRJ/Embraer, etc., because they don't have much of it anyway, though, it'd be nice if they did.)
Where United has done better than Delta is on the 763, which, apparently neither airline is willing to let go of anytime soon (lame.) But, seriously, Polaris 1-1-1 is better than ancient DeltaOne 1-2-1, on the 763, as a premium passenger. It just is. Can't tell me otherwise. Sorry, Tim.
and you are incapable of grasping that most of the flights that DL used its 763s to in the summer of 2025 were destinations which UA served with 757s which do not even have direct aisle access.
the majority of DL's 763s fly domestically including transcons - where UA uses high density 777s and 757s - and to Hawaii - where UA uses high density 777s.
It is you that are incapable of admitting that...
and you are incapable of grasping that most of the flights that DL used its 763s to in the summer of 2025 were destinations which UA served with 757s which do not even have direct aisle access.
the majority of DL's 763s fly domestically including transcons - where UA uses high density 777s and 757s - and to Hawaii - where UA uses high density 777s.
It is you that are incapable of admitting that DL really does know where to use its aircraft including in competitor markets where the product is as low or lower.
Just like rebel, you can't admit that I am rgith - and to think that 6 months ago you were trying to be my BFF on the internet.
Fraud.
Tim, it's the internet, we're all relative strangers here, yet, many of us do care deeply about the industry.
All said, Delta's still my preferred US carrier. For instance, I'm finally gonna experience the new D1 in BOS soon, and am looking forward to the 339 with its Suites (no doors needed). Other than a few oneworld operators, I really do prefer most of SkyTeam over them and much Star Alliance.
I've also...
Tim, it's the internet, we're all relative strangers here, yet, many of us do care deeply about the industry.
All said, Delta's still my preferred US carrier. For instance, I'm finally gonna experience the new D1 in BOS soon, and am looking forward to the 339 with its Suites (no doors needed). Other than a few oneworld operators, I really do prefer most of SkyTeam over them and much Star Alliance.
I've also said recently that for whatever reason, many of United's aircraft seemingly always smells like 'urine' to me. (I don't know why, but it's 'a thing.') And, yes, UA's 772s with the 2-4-2 rear-facing are an abomination in 2025, far worse than even the 763.
to be clear, I only bothered to comment to get the facts straight.
UA has made enormous progress over the past decade but they aren't near as far along as a lot of people think they are.
And relative to the topic of this article - WiFi - DL is far, far ahead of any other airline in the world in terms of number of aircraft with it installed and amount of their network that...
to be clear, I only bothered to comment to get the facts straight.
UA has made enormous progress over the past decade but they aren't near as far along as a lot of people think they are.
And relative to the topic of this article - WiFi - DL is far, far ahead of any other airline in the world in terms of number of aircraft with it installed and amount of their network that has high speed free WiFi.
We all get to cheer for who we want but facts do statements have to be rooted in facts.
Yet, a lot of times, you're just referring to your own opinions as 'fact' while diminishing other's opinions as 'wrong,' so go easy on the 'facts' stuff, because much of this is subjective.
As for WiFi, yes, DL (and B6) have done better than AA and UA, unless you're Gary Leff, who prefers to pay for WiFi on AA, even if it means denying everyone else free WiFi...
you and the other simpletons say that but then you fail to accurately debate the actual points I make.
rebel's response to the facts, not opinions, I stated was to start talking about overhead bins.
You throw in the 717s and then can't understand that they fly routes predominantly competitive with other airline RJs.
you and a million other people talk about DL's 763s but get silent when I point out that most of...
you and the other simpletons say that but then you fail to accurately debate the actual points I make.
rebel's response to the facts, not opinions, I stated was to start talking about overhead bins.
You throw in the 717s and then can't understand that they fly routes predominantly competitive with other airline RJs.
you and a million other people talk about DL's 763s but get silent when I point out that most of DL's 763s operating over the Atlantic this summer were on routes competitive with UA's 757s which have cabins much further down the product line than DL's 763s.
those are not opinions, my friend. They are ALL statements that are either factually right or wrong
Accurately debate the facts I present or accept that I am right.
"Accurately debate the facts I present or accept that I am right."
"the only thing that is inferior is your self-image."
"let's face it: you are hypocritical, cherrypicking insecure little person"
"you can't admit that I am rgith (sic) - and to think that 6 months ago you were trying to be my BFF on the internet."
"you and the other simpletons say that..."
Could this be an attempt from a lower class airline to bring its operations into the Twenty First Century?
This is a great/necessary move by AA.
This is good news. I have taken several Eagle flights recently with Intelsat service, so that my formerly free T-Mobile service is gone, and they now wanted ridiculous fees for Intelsat wifi access on short flights. Glad this glitch is temporary.
As someone who regularly flies wide body frequencies out of MIA to PHL, CLT, DFW, etc. it's disappointing that wifi will still be $20 per flight and slow as a snail.
This is big for AA in offering a service that B6 and AA have proven matters to many passengers.
Let's dispense with the comparisons long enough to look at actual data as to where the big 3 offer free high speed WiFi. (free meaning loyalty program members which is the growing common theme worldwide).
DL currently offers high speed WiFi on all domestic mainline aircraft except for the 717; they have completed a prototype w/...
This is big for AA in offering a service that B6 and AA have proven matters to many passengers.
Let's dispense with the comparisons long enough to look at actual data as to where the big 3 offer free high speed WiFi. (free meaning loyalty program members which is the growing common theme worldwide).
DL currently offers high speed WiFi on all domestic mainline aircraft except for the 717; they have completed a prototype w/ Hughes internet on the 717 but are not moving forward so far which probably means the 717s days are numbered.
DL offers free high speed WiFi across the Atlantic and to all of the Americas.
about 2/3 of DL's A350s (its near exclusive aircraft for the Pacific) have the equipment for high speed WiFi which means that flights that operate on aircraft that have the equipment will have paid WiFi, no different than what AA and UA will offer.
Viasat - the primary WiFi provider on DL's A350s - has just launched their F2 satellite which covers the Americas and is expected to launch their F3 satellite in 2026 which will allow DL to "turn on" free TPAC WiFi.
DL, like AA and UA, is moving fairly quickly at installing high speed WiFi on their large regional jets. No one is installing WiFi (that I know of) on 50 passenger regional jets other than UA's CRJ 550s.
Thus, DL will have well over 95% of its mainline and RJ fleet and network w/ free WiFi by the summer for by far the largest coverage of any airline in the world.
AA COULD have a more extensive domestic fleet of free high speed WiFi equipped aircraft by the summer of 2026 but will not offer it anywhere on longhaul international. They do use much of the same equipment as DL so could if they can buy the capacity on the satellites which is the primary limiting factor.
UA will be the laggard. They will come nowhere close to having 90% of their mainline and RJ domestic fleet w/ high speed WiFi by the summer of 2026. UA also is very unlikely to have even half of its international fleet with free WiFi because Starlink has not been certified on the 787.
Let's cut through the incessant pi789ing contest to deal w/ reality. B6 started the whole free high speed WiFi trend and will have the most aircraft with it.
Among the big 3, DL moved first to adopt it domestically on a far larger fleet and network than AA or UA. The majority of DL's widebody aircraft and longhaul international routes have it now and the rest will get it by 2026.
AA will quickly jump into a very strong #2 position and could surpass DL domestically but will not offer it internationally in 2026 and possibly beyond.
UA is late to the game and will not close the gap in 2026 at least because of certification issues for Starlink equipment.
as for speed, Viasat is working on higher speed and capacity WiFi so very few passengers will be able to perceive a different in high earth vs. Starlink's low earth WiFi
Woah! New record longest comment on OMAAT!
For real, DL (and B6) lead the way on free WiFi (UA and AA are playing catch-up).
facts take time to convey, 1990.
AA always had the ability to be at parity with DL domestically with WiFi and can quickly close the gap - if not exceed DL because of the 717s.
It is UA that is well behind the 8 ball regardless of how much talking they do.
and the future of the 717s is very likely tied to the expected DL order from Boeing. As the largest operator of...
facts take time to convey, 1990.
AA always had the ability to be at parity with DL domestically with WiFi and can quickly close the gap - if not exceed DL because of the 717s.
It is UA that is well behind the 8 ball regardless of how much talking they do.
and the future of the 717s is very likely tied to the expected DL order from Boeing. As the largest operator of the 717, DL is undoubtedly looking for enough additional MAXs to allow DL to retire the 717s which would reduce Boeing's need to support the 717. It would also force AS to come up w/ a replacement for the 717s at HA sooner rather than later.
I'm always down for detailed discussions as well as playful banter, on here and elsewhere.
Oh, yes, we gotta bring up those 717s... DL and Hawaiian keepin' the dream alive!
So, we think the 'stink' of the Max has finally wore off? That 100 Max10 order (and option for 30 more) is not happening until 2027 at earliest; at least, DAL made a good call with its a321neos (80+ in-service? 150+ more by 2027.)
...I'm always down for detailed discussions as well as playful banter, on here and elsewhere.
Oh, yes, we gotta bring up those 717s... DL and Hawaiian keepin' the dream alive!
So, we think the 'stink' of the Max has finally wore off? That 100 Max10 order (and option for 30 more) is not happening until 2027 at earliest; at least, DAL made a good call with its a321neos (80+ in-service? 150+ more by 2027.)
The relevance of fleet sizes and ages is kinda silly. Fine, US-3 have about 1,000 aircraft each. Cool. WN has 800ish. Okie dokie. B6, AS/HA each have 300ish. Who cares. Not most passengers. Like, most folks want greater consistency; if you book economy, do you get IFE and WiFi? Do you have to guess? Ugh. If you book Business, do you get recliner, lie-flat?
As far as passenger experience, Delta gets a pass on the a321ceos but not the 717, because the ceos actually have IFE and WiFi, whereas the 717 has nothing. United is 50/50, some 737-700, 738, 739 with ancient interiors, others and Maxes, like DL's with IFE and WiFi (even if paid). AA with its refusal to do IFE and free WiFi on its narrowbodies has set it below UA and AA, in my opinion.
Good talk. Stir the pot. Keep it going.
the 717s matter - just as the 763s do - which you and so many other people fixate over.
The the majority of the TATL routes the 763s flew in 2025 were competitive with routes which UA served with 757s which do not have even have direct aisle access or premium economy. Domestically, the 763 is used on transcons including against AA's old 321Ts and UA's domestic 777s and 757s.
The 763 competes well...
the 717s matter - just as the 763s do - which you and so many other people fixate over.
The the majority of the TATL routes the 763s flew in 2025 were competitive with routes which UA served with 757s which do not have even have direct aisle access or premium economy. Domestically, the 763 is used on transcons including against AA's old 321Ts and UA's domestic 777s and 757s.
The 763 competes well on the routes that DL uses it for.
likewise, the 717 competes against AA and UA RJs and offers a similar product. It is only as large RJs at all of the big 3's RJ operators get high speed WiFi that the 717s fall competitively behind and DL knows that full well.
It is precisely because of the competitive pressure that DL will either make a decision to fairly rapidly replace the 717s - likely with a supplemental order from Boeing - or go ahead and install the Hughes WiFi on them for the remaining 3-5 years the planes would otherwise be in service.
I am betting the former will be what happens.
btw, Airbus acknowledges that Boeing will likely win the orders race for 2025 for the first time in a number of years, due in part to the strength of the 787. Airbus also says they expect Boeing to win more orders which could well indicate that Delta could be one of the airlines that has communicated to Airbus that they will choose Boeing over Airbus.
TD, "It is precisely because of the competitive pressure that DL will either make a decision to fairly rapidly replace the 717s - likely with a supplemental order from Boeing "
I hope "fairly rapidly" means 3-4 years. DL expects delivery of 19 A220s & 29 A321 NEOs & 22/30 in 2027.
Yeah, they 'matter' because Delta puts them on routes we fly, and we notice the difference, in a bad way. That's it. That's why people like myself, @Gene, and other regulars bring it up.
I'm taking a United 763 this week, long-haul, Polaris, 1-1-1; meanwhile, DL's 763, 1-2-1, up front. Ugh. Are you starting to get it? From a seat perspective, I'd take UA's over DL's 763.
So, truly, I've learned to 'Stop Worrying...
Yeah, they 'matter' because Delta puts them on routes we fly, and we notice the difference, in a bad way. That's it. That's why people like myself, @Gene, and other regulars bring it up.
I'm taking a United 763 this week, long-haul, Polaris, 1-1-1; meanwhile, DL's 763, 1-2-1, up front. Ugh. Are you starting to get it? From a seat perspective, I'd take UA's over DL's 763.
So, truly, I've learned to 'Stop Worrying and Love the (763),' but I simply cannot muster that up for the 717. It's a freakin' clunker. I'm no fan of CRJs either. Much prefer a220 (good news, Delta has those!). I'd even prefer non-E2 170/175/190 (which DL, AA, UA, and their subsidiaries, and partner operators, each have, too).
Delta made the right choices with Airbus (a220, a321, a339, a359, etc.), so I really do applaud them for that. Yet, Boeing has AA and UA by the... for whatever reason. (Ok, fine, UA's doing some a321neos, finally.) Hopefully, Boeing can turn things around, because I want that once-great American company to do well again; it's just chosen profits over people for a while now, and that really stings.
Not sure why everyone doesn't go for Starlink. I used it on a United Express flight for the first time a few weeks ago. 500 mbps down at FL380 is truly a marvel of modernity.
AA has been offering free 20 minutes of WiFi - after you play a 20 sec ad, for domestic flights.
If it works. I get it free now as a CK and I would say 25% to 30% of the time it's not functioning.
Any opportunity for George to tout his Key... he's taking it.
Enjoy those free rides on the silly golf carts at MIA, sir.
No @1990 what I really enjoy is when I step off the plane and there's a dude in a suit with my name on a phone screen to whisk me down to the tarmac, into the back of Cadillac Escalade, to be delivered right to the door of a FL. Hoping that happens tonight at DFW. The Cart is so Southwest Airlines.
Alrighty! Now we're talkin'! That's the real deal, righ' thur! May that Escalade's rims be shiny and chrome!
'Bout freakin' time... there's no reason any carrier can't provide complimentary WiFi to all passengers in 2025... especially if those airlines are gonna deny you IFE (like AA on most of its narrowbodies).
Please, by all means, ye AAL cartel, come after me, and re-educate me on how the lack of IFE and force-feeding your customers 'BYOD' is soooo great. I'll wait...
troll much?
Takes one to know one, apparently.
Got any comments on-topic, or just interested in me? Like, you got an actual opinion on the WiFi situation?
Ad hominems are cool, too. Just, please, add some spice. So far… kinda mediocre.
Off topic but your thoughts, Lucky?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dz0g2ykpeo