American vs Delta: Inflight WiFi Compared
This page compares American Airlines and Delta Air Lines on inflight WiFi only. Both offer free WiFi to members of a free loyalty program. The details differ in speed, fleet coverage, and the aircraft that still have gaps.
| Metric | American Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Provider | Viasat + Intelsat (free); Panasonic on some widebodies (paid) | Viasat (Delta Sync) on mainline; Hughes Fusion replacing legacy Intelsat on Boeing 717s |
| Free WiFi | Free for AAdvantage members on Viasat- and Intelsat-equipped aircraft | Free for SkyMiles members on equipped mainline aircraft |
| Membership Needed | AAdvantage (free to join) | SkyMiles (free to join, can be done in flight) |
| Free WiFi Sponsor | AT&T (since January 2026) | T-Mobile |
| Typical Speed (listed) | ~25 Mbps (up to 70) | ✓ ~50 Mbps (up to 100) |
| Fleet Coverage | Free WiFi on about 90% of the fleet, including dual-class American Eagle regional aircraft | More than 1,000 aircraft equipped as of mid-2026, including most transatlantic widebodies |
| Known Gaps | Panasonic-equipped widebodies (most 777s, some 787s) stay paid | Most of about 80 Boeing 717s had no WiFi as of July 2026 during a hardware swap |
| Paid WiFi | $49.95 per month (1 device); $10-$35 single-flight pass on Panasonic widebodies | $10-$40 pass on legacy ERJ-170/175 regional jets, by route |
Delta lists the higher typical speed (about 50 Mbps against about 25 Mbps). American says free WiFi covers about 90% of its fleet, including regional aircraft, but most of its 777s still charge. Delta is free for SkyMiles members on most mainline aircraft, with a temporary gap on its Boeing 717s. Both need a free loyalty account, so the choice comes down to speed (Delta) and which aircraft you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American or Delta WiFi faster?
Delta lists a higher typical speed: about 50 Mbps (up to 100) against about 25 Mbps (up to 70) for American. Real speed depends on the aircraft, the provider on it, and how many passengers are online.
Is WiFi free on American Airlines?
Yes, for AAdvantage members on aircraft with Viasat or Intelsat WiFi. The program launched in January 2026 with AT&T as sponsor. AAdvantage enrollment is free. Panasonic-equipped widebodies, mainly 777s and some 787s, still charge.
Is WiFi free on Delta?
Yes, for SkyMiles members on equipped aircraft. Delta Sync WiFi is presented by T-Mobile. SkyMiles enrollment is free and can be done in flight.
Does every Delta plane have WiFi?
No. As of July 2026, most of Delta's roughly 80 Boeing 717s had no WiFi while Delta swaps the legacy system for Hughes Fusion. Some legacy regional jets also still sell paid passes.
Which widebodies have free WiFi on American?
Select Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft with Viasat or Intelsat. Widebodies with Panasonic WiFi, most 777s and some 787s, stay paid until they are retrofitted.