Listen to Apple Music on American Airlines Without Wi-Fi Fees

Apple just announced a sweet new perk for Apple Music subscribers on US American Airlines flights.

Starting this Friday, you'll be able to listen the music streaming service at 30,000 feet without having to pay for Wi-Fi. So if you forgot to download a playlist for offline listening, you can still listen to it on a cross-country flight. The perk will be available on all domestic American Airlines flights equipped with Viasat satellite Wi-Fi, Apple said.

"For most travelers, having music to listen to on the plane is just as important as anything they pack in their suitcases," Apple Music VP Oliver Schusser said in a statement. "Subscribers can stream all their favorite songs and artists in the air, and continue to listen to their personal library offline, giving them everything they need to truly sit back, relax and enjoy their flight."

When you're on the plane, just connect to the complimentary inflight Wi-Fi and open Apple Music ($10.99 Per Month at Apple Music) .

American Airlines is the first commercial airline to offer this perk; Qantas and Virgin America have previously offered free Spotify (and Netflix) streaming. The news comes as the Apple Music makes gains in the streaming wars. It currently has 50 million paid subscribers compared to Spotify's 87 million.

Recommended by Our Editors

Spotify vs. Apple Music: Which Streaming Service Is Winning?

Apple Music Headed to Amazon Echo Devices

Recently, Verizon started offering a free Apple Music subscription with its unlimited plans. The carrier first started offering free access to Apple Music last year, but subscribers had to start paying for the streaming service after six months. Earlier this month, Verizon decided to make it a more permanent feature.

New users can try Apple Music for free for 90 days; after that it costs $9.99 per month, $99 for one year, $4.99 a month for students, or $14.99 a month for families (of up to six people). The service earned an "excellent" rating in PCMag's review, but Spotify and Slacker Radio are our Editors' Choices.