Delta introduces fast, free onboard Wi-Fi ⋆

Delta introduces fast, free onboard Wi-Fi

Delta will offer fast, free Wi-Fi in partnership with T-Mobile to all customers on board most domestic mainline flights beginning Feb. 1 – the first major U.S. airline to offer free Wi-Fi as a core element of its customer experience. delta inflight wifi

The airline will offer the service on more than 700 Viasat-equipped aircraft by the end of 2023. Delta also announced plans to bring free Wi-Fi on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024.

“At work, at home and everywhere in between, connectivity is essential to daily life, and your journey on Delta should be no different,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian at CES 2023 in Las Vegas. “Our vision has long been to deliver an experience at 30,000 feet that feels similar to what our customers have available on the ground.”

Designed to fuel Delta’s vision of more personalized travel, customers will log in using their Delta SkyMiles® account or join SkyMiles on the ground or in the air for free to connect.

“At T-Mobile, we believe staying connected while traveling should be an easy, seamless experience,” said Mike Sievert, T-Mobile CEO. “T-Mobile customers already get free in-flight Wi-Fi and now we’re partnering with Delta to bring that experience to all customers — regardless of their wireless provider — so that anyone flying Delta can enjoy online access from takeoff to touchdown.”

Delta also announced its plans for Delta Sync Exclusives hub — a new SkyMiles-unlocked mobile platform coming this spring aimed at elevating the in-flight connectivity experience with exclusive offers, access and entertainment from beloved brands that are mainstays of everyday life. Delta will launch Delta Sync Exclusives hub later this spring.

Delta has long used technology as a tool to further its mission of connecting people and redefining consumer expectations.

Working with engineers from Viasat — the satellite internet service provider behind the airline’s connectivity revolution — teams at Delta have applied a rigorous approach to testing, learning and scaling best-in-class in-flight connectivity, with an eye toward rolling out the new system on more routes at an unprecedented scale by the end of 2024.

From development to implementation, the scale of the airline’s global operation required a Delta-led team of engineers, developers, designers, product leaders and technicians working tirelessly to build, install and deploy an ecosystem of technologies fit to unlock the future of travel.

“We didn’t just want free Wi-Fi to offer base-level service – we wanted it to be transformative for the entire onboard experience,” said Bastian. “It is imperative all customers onboard can enjoy their favorite content just as they would at home, and we’ve put this system through meticulous tests to make that possible.”

How Do I Know if Free Wi-Fi Is Available on My Flight?

Customers can tell whether they are on a free Wi-Fi-ready aircraft by looking for the new decal located near the boarding door. See below for a preview of what to keep an eye out for.

Customers can tell whether they are on a free Wi-Fi-ready aircraft by looking for the new decal located near the boarding door.

How Do I Connect to Free WI-FI? delta inflight wifi

Connecting to onboard Wi-Fi is easier than ever. Once on board, customers can select the “DeltaWiFi.com” network in their device’s settings. After connecting, customers simply enter their SkyMiles number and password for free Wi-Fi from pushback to park. Forget to create a free SkyMiles account on the ground? No problem. Customers can join directly from the login page, if needed.

Customers who prefer to not have a SkyMiles account have the option to purchase Wi-Fi access for a flat rate of $10 per device per flight.

What Can I Do Once Connected to Free WI-FI?

Stream, browse, email, scroll, swipe — you name it, we’ve tested it. We put our Wi-Fi through meticulous testing to ensure it can deliver an experience like what you would find at home. Powered by Viasat Ka-Band satellite connectivity, our system was designed to offer streaming-quality connectivity at every seat onboard.

Can I Log in With My Existing Intelsat (Gogo) Subscription?

Those with an existing Intelsat subscription can still use their credentials to connect onboard flights where free Wi-Fi is not available. Delta plans to bring fast, free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles Members to nearly its entire domestic mainline fleet by the end of 2023.

Can I Connect on Multiple Devices at the Same Time?

Yes. Simply log in with valid SkyMiles credentials on the device you wish to connect and enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi for the duration of your flight.

I Usually Travel With Kids. Can They Use Free WI-FI? delta inflight wifi

Yes. A parent or guardian can obtain Delta SkyMiles accounts for children under the age of 16 or allow their children to use the parents’ existing credentials if desired.