Delta will start to offer free Wi-Fi onboard most of its domestic flights from 01 February 2023.
As of February 1, the airline will offer free Wi-Fi on more than 500 aircraft serving Delta’s most popular routes.
The service will be available on about 700 Viasat-equipped aircraft by the end of 2023. That’s about 80% of Delta’s fleet – most of the domestic mainline aircraft.
It will be fully available on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024.
This includes Delta mainline Boeing 717 aircraft, as well as Delta Connection partner-operated two-class regional aircraft – CRJ-700, CRJ-900 and Embraer E170 and E175.
To use the free Wi-Fi. passengers will log in using their Delta SkyMiles account or join SkyMiles on the ground or in the air for free to connect.
Powered by Viasat Ka-Band satellite connectivity, the system is designed to offer streaming-quality connectivity at every seat onboard.
Other airlines with free inflight W-Fi
So far not many airlines offer this almost human right. Some that do are:
- Emirates
- JetBlue
- Porter
- Qantas
Delta Sync
The free Wi-Fi is the base of Delta’s new personalised service called Delta Sync.
This consists of two parts:
- Delta Sync on Demand
- Delta Sync Exclusives Hub
Delta Sync on Demand is for seatback screens It will offer things like food and drink ordering in First Class and real-time seatback flight notifications.
Delta Sync Exclusives Hub is for passengers’ own devices. This will have content, access and personalised offers for SkyMiles Members with major brands, including T-Mobile, American Express, Paramount+, Resy, Atlas Obscura and New York Times Games.
Delta plans to introduce early versions of the system in summer 2023.
Facial Matching
Delta is also rebranding its facial recognition systems as elta Sync facial matching.
Currently available in Atlanta and Detroit, Delta Sync facial matching means that SkyMiles members can use biometrics at baggage drop, security and boarding.
At these points, the passenger face is scanned instead of using a passport or boarding pass.
N.B. Image credit: Delta
