New York, Jan 8, 2026, 08:12 (EST) — Premarket
- AAL was last down about 0.1% premarket after a 2% rise in the prior session.
- American plans a phased rollout of free, AT&T-sponsored in-flight Wi‑Fi for AAdvantage members.
- TD Cowen lifted its price target to $19; BofA raised to $17 while keeping a neutral call.
American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) shares were last down about 0.1% at $15.97 in premarket trade on Thursday, after climbing about 2% in the prior session, as the carrier detailed plans to make in-flight Wi‑Fi free for loyalty members. “Free high-speed Wi‑Fi isn’t just a perk — it’s essential for today’s travelers,” chief customer officer Heather Garboden said in a statement. 1
The shift matters because free Wi‑Fi has turned into a hard-nosed fight for repeat customers, not a feel-good add-on. Airlines have leaned more on loyalty programs and premium products to steady revenue, and onboard connectivity is now part of that pitch. 2
American said the rollout will come in phases, starting with its narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets and reaching nearly all flights by early spring. AT&T executive Jenifer Robertson said the sponsorship is meant to keep travelers “productive, entertained, and in touch from takeoff to landing.” 3
Analyst Tom Fitzgerald at TD Cowen raised his price target — an estimate of where a stock could trade over the next 12 months — to $19 from $16 and kept a buy rating. He wrote that demand is “entering 2026 with good momentum.” 4
BofA lifted its target to $17 from $15 but reiterated a neutral rating, saying fourth-quarter earnings season and 2026 guidance will set an early tone for airline stocks. The bank pointed to Delta’s report on Jan. 13 as an early read-through for the group. 5
Technically, resistance — a level traders often treat as a ceiling — sits near $16.44, while support is around $15.59, Barchart data showed. The stock’s 52-week range runs from $8.50 to $19.10. 6
But free Wi‑Fi can bite if usage spikes, equipment upgrades drag, or service quality slips and prompts more customer complaints than loyalty sign-ups. Investors are also wary of how quickly airlines can absorb new costs if demand cools.
