Delta debuts free Wi-Fi on long-haul flights with detailed rollout schedule

14.08.2024 - 16:24 / thepointsguy.com

Staying connected when flying on long-haul routes with Delta Air Lines is about to become much simpler.

The Atlanta-based carrier announced this week that it is officially bringing its free high-speed Wi-Fi offering to flights across the pond. The airline trialed free long-haul Wi-Fi last month on flights to France, and now it's ready for a much broader rollout.

In August, the airline will activate free Wi-Fi on flights to the U.K., Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Below is the detailed rollout schedule for Delta's free international Wi-Fi.

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Additionally, Delta's regional routes and flights operated by the Boeing 717 are expected to follow a similar process and come online in 2025, according to the carrier.

As we've seen throughout Delta's free Wi-Fi rollout, these timelines are, of course, subject to change. In fact, the airline had promised to complete its long-haul free Wi-Fi rollout by the end of this year, so this updated rollout plan technically represents a nearly 12-month delay.

In order to equip its long-haul fleet with free Wi-Fi, Delta first needs to retrofit its twin-aisle jets with Viasat satellite service. Viasat provides enough bandwidth for Delta to enable streaming Wi-Fi speeds for everyone. (The Boeing 717s and regional jets are getting a different satellite provider: Hughes Network Systems.)

Instead of simply "flipping the switch" on free long-haul Wi-Fi, the airline is very methodical about its launch plans. The carrier says this ensures that it can monitor the service's reliability, especially as bandwidth comes at a premium over the ocean.

During the transition period, you should monitor Delta's website and subscribe to preflight emails for details about internet availability on your route.

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Until the airline enables free long-haul Wi-Fi, you'll need to pay for internet onboard jets equipped with the existing Intelsat internet provider. The packages are priced based on flight distance and other dynamic factors.

As free Wi-Fi rolls out internationally, the international Wi-Fi portal will not initially require a SkyMiles login. Later this year, all Viasat-equipped aircraft will convert to the personalized Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience, which is unlocked by a SkyMiles login. The Delta Sync portal offers customized onboard experiences and offers.

Right now, free streaming-quality connectivity is available on nearly 700 Delta aircraft, which represents more than 90% of the airline's domestic mainline fleet. Delta said that "the vast majority of customers will have access to the product by the end of the year."

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