NEWS - Delta has revolutionized the in-flight experience for its passengers by offering complimentary Wi-Fi on its domestic mainline routes since February 1st. In collaboration with T-Mobile, the airline is providing in-flight wireless internet access through code-sharing agreements with its Delta Connection brand.
Currently, more than 500 aircraft are equipped with Viasat-powered Wi-Fi, and the airline plans to expand this number to over 700 by the end of the year. With this significant upgrade, Delta passengers can now stay connected and entertained during their flights, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Complimentary Wi-Fi For Domestic Mainline Routes
Delta Airlines is making history by becoming the first major U.S. airline to provide its passengers with complimentary Wi-Fi on all domestic mainline flights. In partnership with T-Mobile, the service was launched on February 1st, and was available on more than 500 Delta aircraft at launch, with full availability on international and regional aircraft promised by the end of 2024.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian announced at CES 2023 in Las Vegas that the company's vision was to deliver a travel experience that feels similar to what customers have on the ground. Passengers can log in using their Delta SkyMiles account, or sign up for free to connect. The move was welcomed by T-Mobile CEO, Mike Sievert, who said that the company believes staying connected while traveling should be an easy, seamless experience.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said the following in a press release about providing quality and stable in-flight Internet connection to airplane passengers:
“Our vision has long been to deliver an experience at 30,000 feet that feel similar to what our customers have available on the ground."
Delta flights to and from certain destinations now take advantage of Viasat Wi-Fi, including:
- Alabama (Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile)
- Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson)
- California (Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Ontario, among others)
- Florida (Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key West, among others)
- Idaho (Boise and Idaho Falls)
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Staying Connected At 30,000 Feet In The Air
With the introduction of complimentary Wi-Fi, several Delta passengers can use the wireless Internet connection for different purposes, such as:
- Allows passengers to send emails, check social media, and read the latest news during the flight
- Offers a calming effect for anxious flyers by allowing them to access soothing online resources
- Business travelers remain productive while flying
- Take advantage of content streaming to increase the fun factor on long flights
Other Airlines With In-Flight Wi-Fi
Aside from Delta, other airlines also offer free wireless Internet access to their passengers. But like Delta’s fleet, other airline companies also don’t offer free Wi-Fi connectivity for all flight routes.
Here are some examples of airlines that offer free in-flight Wi-Fi:
- JetBlue: Available for domestic flights and airplanes going to and from the Caribbean and Central America
- Philippine Airlines: Available in A330s, 777-300s, and select A350 flight routes
- Qantas: Available for all domestic routes within Australia but only on the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737 aircraft
Passengers More Likely To Choose An Airline With Complimentary Wi-Fi
According to Inmarsat, a global mobile satellite communications company, and its 2018 report about in-flight Wi-Fi, it says that wireless Internet access in an airplane can be a crucial driver in generating customer loyalty and satisfaction.
The report indicates that over half of the surveyed passengers described that Wi-Fi is vital in meeting demands. Many travelers would even rebook with an airline if it has high-quality Wi-Fi on flights. These passengers include parents, young travelers, and high-value customers.
Also, about 70% of the surveyors said that they’re likely to recommend an airline to their friends, families, and colleagues if the plane has free Wi-Fi.
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