Delta Air Lines is set to enhance passenger connectivity by expanding its free Wi-Fi service to international flights starting this summer. The new service will initially be available on select long-haul international routes equipped with Viasat technology, with sponsorship from T-Mobile. Unlike domestic flights, international travelers will not need a SkyMiles account to access the Wi-Fi at the start.
Future Requirement of SkyMiles Membership
Later in 2024, Delta plans to implement a requirement for SkyMiles membership to access free Wi-Fi on its Viasat-equipped international flights. This change aims to integrate the service more closely with Delta’s loyalty program.
Ranjan Goswami, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design at Delta, commented, “As we continue to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi and the in-flight experiences it powers, we’re able to serve customers traveling both domestically and internationally in new, in-the-moment ways.” He praised the efforts of Delta’s team, noting that the scale of the Wi-Fi expansion is unparalleled in the airline industry.
Free Wi-Fi Expands Across Europe
Delta has already introduced free Wi-Fi on most flights to and from France, including Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). The service will soon be extended to flights between the U.S. and the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy later this month.
Upcoming Wi-Fi Expansion Schedule
The airline has outlined its plans for rolling out free Wi-Fi to additional international destinations:
September 2024: Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland
October 2024: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Hawaii
December 2024 or January 2025: Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal
Mid to Late 2025: Trans-Pacific region, including Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa
Domestic Wi-Fi Success and Future Goals
Delta first introduced free Wi-Fi in the U.S. in 2022 and has since equipped nearly 700 aircraft, representing over 90 percent of its domestic mainline fleet. The airline anticipates that the majority of its customers will have access to free Wi-Fi by the end of 2024, with regional routes expected to be included in 2025.
Comparison with JetBlue
Delta’s move to expand free Wi-Fi internationally aligns with JetBlue’s similar offering. JetBlue provides free Wi-Fi on all its flights, including both domestic and transatlantic routes.
Conclusion
Delta Air Lines’ expansion of free Wi-Fi to international flights marks a significant enhancement in passenger connectivity and comfort. With an ambitious rollout plan and integration with SkyMiles, Delta aims to provide a seamless and engaging travel experience across its global network.