Source: The Points Guy
Summary
Delta Air Lines has expanded free Wi-Fi to nearly all its flights, including long-haul routes to Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific. The airline claims it has closed its last coverage gap using a new satellite. Over 95% of its planes now support the service, with the rollout expected to finish in the coming months. Delta has faced scrutiny for not adopting Starlink, which is faster than its current Wi-Fi provider, Viasat. The airline says its existing Wi-Fi is improving and that it has a unique global coverage advantage.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
Delta now offers Wi-Fi on nearly all flights, including to Asia and the Pacific.
Competitors like United and Alaska are switching to Starlink for faster service.
Delta is upgrading its network with Viasat and plans to use Amazon’s new service in 2028.
Global coverage is a key selling point, even as others catch up.
Author: Evan Null
Delta’s Global Wi-Fi Expansion
Delta Air Lines has made significant progress in expanding its in-flight Wi-Fi service, now covering nearly all of its flights. This includes long-haul routes to Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, marking a major milestone in the airline’s efforts to provide consistent connectivity for passengers. The airline announced that it has closed its last coverage gap over the Pacific Ocean, thanks to a new satellite that came online recently.
Free Wi-Fi for All
Delta has equipped over 95% of its planes with the technology to support free Wi-Fi for all customers. The rollout is expected to be completed in the next few months, making it one of the most extensive free Wi-Fi programs among U.S. airlines. This move follows a trend set by Delta in early 2023 when it announced plans to make Wi-Fi service free for all members of its loyalty program.
Starlink and the Wi-Fi Race
Despite its advancements, Delta has faced criticism for not adopting Starlink, which is currently considered the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi option. Major competitors like United Airlines have already begun transitioning to Starlink, and some, like Alaska Airlines, are making similar progress. Delta’s decision to stick with Viasat has sparked debate, with some questioning whether the airline is falling behind in the competitive race for better in-flight connectivity.
Improvements and Future Plans
Delta is also working to improve its existing Wi-Fi service by upgrading to a new satellite from Viasat, which is expected to significantly increase bandwidth and reduce slowdowns. The airline has reported positive feedback from customers so far and plans to complete the upgrade on North and South American flights by Thanksgiving. Additionally, Delta is finalizing Wi-Fi upgrades on its regional jets and smaller Boeing 717s.
Amazon’s Role in the Future
In the long term, Delta has plans to adopt a new Wi-Fi service from Amazon, which aims to offer a web-surfing experience similar to what Starlink users currently enjoy. However, this service is still unproven and will not be available on Delta flights until 2028. Meanwhile, other airlines are moving forward with Starlink installations, with United already having it on 43% of its jets and Southwest Airlines aiming to outfit its entire fleet with the technology before the end of the year.
