Delta Airlines’ global flights to feature fast, free Wi-Fi
Rollout will proceed in phases
Delta Airlines is introducing fast, free Wi-Fi on its select long-haul international flights by the close of 2024. The complementary, streaming-quality internet rollout began this summer in partnership with T-Mobile.
Select Viasat-equipped aircraft on international routes now offer Delta Airlines passengers internet access at no charge. By the end of the summer, most transatlantic flights are expected to feature this new service.
Delta’s ambitious initiative already covers 700 aircraft, representing over 90% of its domestic mainline fleet. The airline projects that all its customers will have access to the free Wi-Fi service by the close of 2024.
Delta’s latest fast and free Wi-Fi initiative has a head start on Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier that has yet to offer reliable free Wi-Fi service throughout flight mode to its Economy cabin class passengers. When offered, Emirates’ service remains patchy at best.
Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design, highlighted the significance of this rollout: “As we expand our fast, free Wi-Fi offerings, we enhance the in-flight experience for travellers both domestically and internationally.
“Our extensive deployment of free Wi-Fi is unparalleled in the industry and reflects the hard work and expertise of Delta teams who have successfully managed this complex process.”
Delta’s international Wi-Fi rollout will proceed in phases, starting with Viasat-equipped widebody aircraft and gradually expanding to additional routes as service quality improves. This phased approach mirrors the strategy used for domestic installations in 2022.
Initially, passengers on international flights will not need a SkyMiles login to access free Wi-Fi. However, later this year, all Viasat-equipped aircraft will transition to the Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience, which offers exclusive onboard benefits to SkyMiles members.
Rollout timeline
The airline has outlined the following anticipated schedule for the Wi-Fi expansion:
- August 2024: United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy
- September 2024: Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland
- October 2024: South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) and Hawaii
- December 2024/January 2025: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal
- Mid-late 2025: Transpacific routes (Asia, Australia, New Zealand) and South Africa
These dates are subject to testing and adjustments to satellite availability. Delta’s regional routes will follow a similar rollout schedule into 2025.
During the transition, some flights may still offer paid Intelsat Wi-Fi until additional satellites are deployed and aircraft are equipped with upgraded systems.
For up-to-date information on Wi-Fi availability, Delta Airlines passengers are encouraged to visit delta.com/wifi
- Featured image: Delta Airlines projects that all its customers will have access to the free Wi-Fi service by the close of 2024. Credit: Delta Airlines
