As competition in the airline industry intensifies, both American Airlines and United Airlines are making strategic moves to enhance the passenger experience.
From testing complimentary inflight Wi-Fi to expanding international route networks, these updates signal a shift toward greater accessibility and convenience for travelers.
American Airlines
American Airlines is taking a major step toward offering complimentary inflight Wi-Fi, recently announcing plans to test free connectivity on select domestic routes.
According to American Airlines’ new Chief Customer Officer, Heather Garboden, the airline will be testing on three key flights:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Charlotte (CLT) – Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA) – Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
The testing trial aims to assess customer take rates for inflight Wi-Fi, evaluate its provider and aircraft capacity, and most importantly, measure the effect on customer satisfaction.
Recently, American Airlines has confirmed the service will roll out across its full network beginning January 2026 to members of the AAdvantage loyalty program. In partnership with AT&T, the carrier will offer complimentary Wi-Fi on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, accounting for roughly 90% of its fleet.
Beyond inflight connectivity, the airline is also focused on expanding its international footprint. This winter, the carrier will launch five new routes to Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, catering to a growing demand for leisure travel.
Additionally, American is strengthening its presence in Hawaii, resuming service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Kona (KOA) and increasing flights to Kahului (OGG). These additions will complement the airline’s recently announced Chicago (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL) route, bringing its total daily flights between the continental U.S. and Hawaii to more than 15.
To further support international growth, American Airlines is also extending seasonal service on key routes to Europe, providing travelers with more flexibility and access to sought-after destinations like Spain, Greece and Ireland.
For more details on these route expansions, visit the American Airlines website here.
United Airlines
United Airlines is also advancing its inflight connectivity, preparing to launch its first Starlink-equipped aircraft in May, less than eight months after the details were initially announced.
The airline will fly its first Starlink-equipped flight on a United Express Embraer 175. Test flights will be conducted in May to ensure performance and reliability before the official rollout.
The airline plans to install Starlink on 40 regional jets per month, with the goal of fully equipping its regional fleet by the end of the year. When Starlink debuts on United flights, it will be free for all MileagePlus members, providing high-speed Wi-Fi up to 250 Mbps.
In addition, United is executing its largest international expansion yet, adding several new nonstop routes in 2025. From its New York/Newark (EWR) hub, the airline will introduce six destinations:
- Nuuk, Greenland (GOH)
- Palermo, Italy (PMO)
- Bilbao, Spain (BIO)
- Faro, Portugal (FAO)
- Madeira Island, Portugal (FNC)
- Dominica, Caribbean (DOM)
United is also strengthening its presence at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with three new nonstop routes:
- Dakar, Senegal (DSS)
- Nice, France (NCE)
- Venice, Italy (VCE)
For the full list and details on all new United Airlines routes and expansions, visit the website here.
