American Airlines Upgrades Regional Fleet: WiFi, Power & Upgrades
American Airlines is transforming its regional fleet with major upgrades. Starting this fall, travelers will see refreshed cabins, faster WiFi, and power at every seat. The goal is to make regional travel feel more like mainline service.
The upgrades begin with Embraer 175 and Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. Over time, American will retrofit CRJ700, CRJ900, E170, and E175 jets. The full transformation is expected by early 2026.
Connectivity & Power: Always On
American currently offers high-speed satellite WiFi on nearly 300 regional jets. It plans to extend this service to its entire dual-class regional fleet by early 2026. At that time, AAdvantage members will get complimentary WiFi.
In addition, each seat will get power outlets—USB-C and standard AC—so passengers can charge devices from takeoff to landing. These changes help support both work and leisure travel.
Cabin Look & Consistency
The cabin refresh includes new seat covers mirroring mainline aircraft designs. These design updates create a unified look across American’s fleet. Passengers will notice a familiar aesthetic regardless of route or aircraft type.
Service upgrades also join the mix. Premium cabin travelers on regional routes now receive midday snack baskets. This enhances continuity with mainline snack offerings.
Solving Carry-On Issues & Boarding
American is addressing a long-standing complaint: limited overhead bin space. The airline is collaborating with Embraer to design larger bins for future aircraft. These bins will accommodate standard roller bags and reduce gate-checked luggage.
The rollout will appear first on new aircraft then extend to retrofits. These improvements aim to speed boarding and reduce passenger frustration on short flights.
Why This Move Matters
Regional flights often form critical links in larger journeys. Many passengers transfer between small and major airports. By elevating regional service standards, American reduces the friction in those connections.
These upgrades show that Americans see value in investing across all segments. For frequent flyers, the regional leg will no longer feel like a downgrade. Instead, it becomes part of a seamless, consistent travel experience.
