Why Settle? Fly American Airlines and Get Status Match, Free Bags and a Whole Lot More

You’re finally taking that hard-earned vacation and can’t wait to relax and unwind—as soon as you make it through the flight, that is. If this sounds familiar, here’s a friendly reminder: When it comes to flying, you don’t actually have to grin and bear it…you just need to choose the right airline. And let us be the ones to tell you: There’s never been a better time to fly American Airlines. From status match to free bags—yes, they still exist!—American makes flying more convenient, rewarding and, most of all, enjoyable. Below, we break down how to get more with American.

Listen up: For a limited time, American is offering you an enhanced Status Match—no strings attached—to join the award-winning AAdvantage loyalty program. AAdvantage is known as having the most valuable points and miles with plenty of ways to earn and upgrade your experiences—not only with American, but with their partners. They’re even matching Southwest status, specifically, with a higher American status tier. All you have to do is submit proof of your earned status and you’ll receive approval for the Instant Status Pass promotion. Yes, it’s that easy—get all the details on their site.

One of those experience upgrades you get with an AAdvantage membership? None other than free Wi-Fi. Beginning January 2026, thanks to a sponsorship by AT&T, American is offering complimentary inflight Wi-Fi to AAdvantage members on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity—aka roughly 90 percent of their fleet, on more than 2 million flights per year. That means American will offer free inflight connectivity on more planes than any other domestic carrier out there and it’s available exclusively to members of the AAdvantage loyalty program. From personal experience, we can say: Streaming our favorite reality show while thirty thousand feet up in the air is, frankly, chef’s kiss. Talk about another good reason to join.

Still carrying some, ahem, baggage from your experience with other airlines? Let it go with complimentary checked bags through eligible AAdvantage status or most cobranded credit cards. Depending on your status, you could check up to three bags free and enjoy Priority bag handling, ensuring your bag is among the first to arrive at baggage claim. 

And whether or not you’re a member, American’s Basic Economy fares are a great option: You’ll get American’s lowest price and still enjoy a comfortable seat in the Main Cabin, free carry-on (of course), free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment. Which means you can take those quick getaways without worrying about spending your savings on a ticket.

Counting its partners, American can fly you to more than one thousand destinations around the world. And wherever you fly, you’re getting a premium experience—from delicious localized menus in their lounges to extra legroom onboard to that aforementioned high-speed Wi-Fi. Even the boarding process is better, thanks to earlier boarding times and technology that keeps the gate area clear as groups are called to board the plane. If you’ve ever been stressed about getting on your flight (*raises hand*), you know how important that is. 

Bottom line: You shouldn’t have to settle—or spend a fortune—to take your next trip. Head to the American Airlines site to get status match and book your flight now.