Delta’s Free Wi-Fi Goes Global: How Do Other Airlines Compare?

13.08.2024 - 22:25 / skift.com / Gordon Smith

After a July it would rather forget, Delta Air Lines is working hard to restore its reputation as an aviation innovator. The U.S. carrier is launching free onboard Wi-Fi across its global network in the coming months, with many major markets enjoying the perk within a matter of weeks.

In partnership with T-Mobile, Delta’s goal is to bring reliable, streaming-quality connectivity to its entire fleet. The airline already offers free Wi-Fi on around 90% of its 700 domestic mainline aircraft, with plans to boost this figure further by the end of the year. Smaller regional planes are also being upgraded.

However, international expansion is much more complex. Long-haul flights often pass over large bodies of water and sparsely populated areas – locations that have traditionally been beyond the reach of fast onboard connections.

New generation satellite-based systems are sparking a revolution in onboard connectivity, with many airlines investing heavily in the tech.

Delta is currently undergoing what it describes as a “Wi-Fi transition period.” Put simply, it means massive improvements are coming, but there are still gaps in its global coverage. Additional satellites are being positioned to boost the reach of the service, but connectivity could be patchy until then.

The airline has a dedicated section of its website to help passengers with the likely internet options onboard their next flight.

To manage expectations, Delta is launching free international Wi-Fi on a route-by-route basis. The carrier is mirroring its successful domestic rollout strategy where select city pairs were prioritized. 

While Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s SVP of Customer Experience Design claims the speed of the rollout is “unmatched in the airline industry,” it hasn’t been entirely trouble-free. At the CES Las Vegas tech show in 2023, the company said international and domestic aircraft would be equipped by the end of 2024. Based on current timelines, the project will continue into late 2025 and potentially into 2026.

With Delta a key sponsor of Team USA, aircraft serving French destinations were upgraded ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program has been central to the rollout of its domestic Wi-Fi offering. The airline requires all passengers wanting free connectivity to log in or register as a member.

Notably, Delta says its international Wi-Fi portal will require a SkyMiles number during the introductory period. However, as the rollout matures, all planes with the new Viasat Wi-Fi system will need a passenger’s membership details to unlock the onboard internet.

While Delta considers itself a pioneer in the space, it is far from alone in offering international Wi-Fi at 35,000 feet. Here’s how some of its