After introducing free onboard Wi-Fi on most of its domestic flights last year, Delta Air Lines is now expanding the feature, introducing internet connectivity on most of its international routes by the end of summer.
Customers on selected Viasat-equipped long-haul international flights will soon be able enjoy “fast, free Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile, bringing the airline one step closer to recognizing its goal of offering free Wi-Fi on its entire global fleet”, the carrier said in a statement. Today, free, streaming-quality connectivity is available on nearly 700 aircraft, more than 90% of Delta’s domestic mainline fleet, and the airline expects the vast majority of customers will have access to the product by the end of the year.
“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”, said Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Customer Experience Design. “The scale at which we’re bringing free Wi-Fi to customers is unmatched in the airline industry, and it’s a testament to the incredible efforts of Delta teams across the business that have expertly navigated an extremely complex rollout.”
During the airline’s transition period, there are some coverage gaps where Wi-Fi is not available until additional satellites are positioned to provide full coverage. Some aircraft will have a paid Intelsat Wi-Fi experience until these additional satellites are in service and these aircraft are outfitted with upgraded satellite Wi-Fi.
The service will be rolled out on a route-by-route basis. Additional routes will be phased in as reliable service becomes available. As free Wi-Fi rolls out internationally, the international Wi-Fi portal will not require a SkyMiles log-in initially. Later this year, all Viasat Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft will officially convert to the personalized Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience unlocked by customers’ SkyMiles memberships for exclusive onboard experiences and offers.
Once internet connectivity is in full service, only those passengers who become members of the loyalty programme will have free access to the in-flight Wi-Fi. Others will need to pay a $10 fee, still significantly cheaper than Delta’s current charges of nearly $50 per month for Wi-Fi on North American flights and $70 on international flights.
The other two carriers of the US “big three”, United and American Airlines both charge varying rates for access. Only JetBlue, a low-cost competitor and the seventh largest airline in North America, has been offering passengers free Wi-Fi for the last five years.
