Air Canada announced on Thursday it will provide free, fast Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members starting in May 2025.
The service, sponsored by Bell, will be available on flights within North America and Sun destinations on Wi-Fi-equipped planes.
The airline also plans to extend free Wi-Fi to long-haul international flights by 2026. This upgrade includes Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and most Air Canada Express aircraft.
Since May 2023, Aeroplan members have had access to free in-flight texting, also sponsored by Bell. The new Wi-Fi service will allow streaming and other internet use during flights. Non-Aeroplan members can still buy Wi-Fi at a lower flat fee (Aeroplan accounts are free).
“Reliable access to streaming-quality Wi-Fi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travellers. That’s why we’re upgrading our fleet with the latest technologies,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan, in a statement to iPhone in Canada.
Air Canada says over 85% of its planes will have free Wi-Fi when the program starts, with the rest to follow later in 2025. This rollout will include regional Q400 aircraft, such as those flying from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport.
Now, this free Wi-Fi likely won’t be as fast and high speed as WestJet and its Starlink offering, powered by Telus, announced earlier this summer. But I guess free Wi-Fi is still free Wi-Fi, as previously people had to pay to get access.
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Just don't bring your device on in a carry-on….
Imitation of customer care, with extortionate prices and charges for everything, including carry-on luggage, which is usually free with non-low-cost operators.