Air Canada is offering complimentary in-flight WiFi to its highest-tier members in the Altitude loyalty program. As part of a year-end loyalty bonus, qualifying members can choose either six months or a full 12 months of free Gogo wireless access, along with other membership rewards.
The airline announced the program in partnership with Gogo in November. Members who fly 75,000 miles in a year will be eligible for six months of complimentary service; top-tier elite members in Altitude receive an additional six months, bringing their total to one year of free in-flight connectivity.
Other top-tier benefits include one free elite status transfer for a friend and extra award credits. Members may need to give up one of these awards to claim the free WiFi, depending on the specific choice of benefits each year.
For travelers who are not part of the Altitude program, Gogo’s monthly connectivity plans are typically priced at $49.99, which would amount to roughly $600 for a full year of paid service.
Air Canada cites this enhanced connectivity benefit as part of its strategy to retain frequent flyers as the airline evolves its loyalty offerings heading into 2020. Providing free onboard WiFi to top-tier members aims to increase the value of elite status and encourage continued engagement with the Altitude program.